Adivasis Start Bhave Mahina Rituals Bathing Deities in Adilabad
Gond and Kolam communities perform purification rites across Adilabad region
Adilabad: Adivasis in the erstwhile Adilabad district are observing ‘Bhave Mahina’, the fifth month in the Gondi calendar, by conducting the traditional ritual of giving a sacred bath to their deities as part of purification practices.
The ritual, known as ‘Gangasnan’, involves taking ‘Persapen’ (traditional gods) in processions to rivers and streams. Along with the idols, community members also carry ‘Salle-Ghagra’, wrapped in cloth, for the ritual bath. A red cloth called ‘Kharva’ is placed on the Persapen as part of the ceremony.
The practice, observed over the past few days, is considered a compulsory cultural ritual during Bhave Mahina. Participants also carry traditional weapons such as ‘Dhal’ (sword shield) and ‘Bhallem’ (spear head), symbolising ancestral heritage and protection.
The ritual of ‘Shuddi’ forms a key part of the practice at both family and community levels. During the occasion, Adivasis also perform ‘Thoom’ (pinda danam) for ancestors and conduct ‘Bhetting’, a ceremony introducing new daughters-in-law to their deities.
Vedma Bojju said his family participated in the Gangasnan of Persapen at Polluguda in Indravelli mandal of Adilabad district. He said he performed the traditional rituals, while his wife took part in ‘Bhetting’ along with other women.
He said the ritual is usually conducted in both ‘Poos Mahina’ (first month) and ‘Bhave Mahina’, but if it is missed in the former, it must be performed in Bhave Mahina under any circumstances. He also attended the ritual at Pandirimadhera village in Tiryani mandal of Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.
Adivasis from several villages performed the ritual at Khaprighat in Asifabad mandal. Members of the Mesram clan from Keslapur took their Persapen in procession to the Jangubai temple. Gond Adivasis performed the ritual bath for ‘Persapen’, while Kolam Adivasis conducted it for ‘Bheemalpen’ at Toplakasa, a stream near Kota-Parandholi in Kerameri mandal on the Telangana-Maharashtra border.
During the ritual, Gond Adivasis place traditional weapons along with the Persapen on riverbanks before the ceremonial bath.
Arka Manikrao said Poos Mahina and Bhave Mahina are considered sacred, and the ritual of bathing deities in rivers and streams holds significance for purification in Adivasi culture.
