Narnoor: Madavi Anvanthi Bai, 38, of Khairdatva drank nearly 2 litres of edible sesame oil to fulfil her vows to the God 'Khandev' ( Tiger God) at the temple in Narnoor mandal headquarters in Kumarambheem, Asifabad district on Tuesday.
Once every year, for the last two years, she has been drinking 2 litres of edible oil in the presence of their community elders on the occasion of Khandev Jatara during Pushya pournami.
This is the third and final year of the ritual which will complete her vow to God Khandev.
An ardent devotee who wishes to drink edible oil must do it continuously for three years on the same occasion. Thodasam clan Adivasis worship the Tiger idol at Khandev temple. But all other Adivasis, non-tribals and Lambadas also pray to God Khandev and perform puja at the temple.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Madavi Anvanthi Bai said she had fulfilled her vow to Lord Khandev by drinking edible oil for three consecutive years.
Anvanthi Bai said she did the act, praying for the well-being of her Adivasi community and her family along with prayers for a good crop and for everybody's good health.
Asifabad MLA Mr Atram Sakku who performed puja and attended the special event said especially the Adivasi youth should not deviate from their unique culture and must follow their own culture without coming under the influence of other cultures. He said it was the responsibility of the community to protect and preserve their culture and tradition and to carry them forward to the new generations.
Adivasi leader Mr Thodasam Nagorao and Khandev Temple Committee Chairman Mr Mesram Nanaji, Utnoor DSP Mr N. Venkatesh and Narnoor CI Mr Hanok and Lambada leaders Mr Jalam Singh, Mr Ade Suresh and others were present.
