Villages In Nirmal Observe ‘Jettakka Panduga’ To Chase Away Misfortune
Residents say the ritual has been followed since the time of their forefathers and is firmly rooted in the belief that discarding the old and unwanted brings good health, fortune and well-being to the village: Reports
ADILABAD: Villagers in a few villages of Nirmal district are celebrating ‘Jettakka Panduga’, a traditional ritual in which old clothes, household items and worn-out materials are discarded to symbolically drive away misfortune and welcome prosperity in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. Though the loud slogans, drumbeats and shouts may initially resemble a political or victory rally, the event is in fact a unique age-old cultural procession rooted in local tradition and belief.
Residents say the ritual has been followed since the time of their forefathers and is firmly rooted in the belief that discarding the old and unwanted brings good health, fortune and well-being to the village.
A distinctive feature of the procession is that only men, youth and children participate in it, while women watch from roadsides or from in front of their houses. After the procession returns, women welcome the participants by performing arati at their homes. During the event, youth and men carry large symbolic figures made of old clothes, winnowing fans and broomsticks, hoisting them on their heads or holding them aloft with sticks.
The procession moves through the village with traditional drumbeats, dancing and loud chants. Such processions were recently held in Thimmapur, Khanapur and Lingapur villages.
Villagers beat damaged winnowing fans and baskets with sticks while raising slogans such as “Jettaka, leave our village and our families” and “Lakshmi Devatha, come to our village”, symbolically driving away negative forces and welcoming prosperity.
The ritual, organised by Village Development Committees (VDCs), is believed to promote not only cultural continuity but also the collective health and prosperity of the community. Community meals are arranged as part of the celebrations to reinforce unity among villagers.
After the procession, participants take a ritual dip in a nearby stream or rivulet on the village outskirts before returning home. Villagers believe that skipping the ritual is inauspicious for the village.
Raghunath of Khanapur said the festival reflects the strong faith villagers place in traditions handed down through generations. He said Jettakka Panduga is celebrated with minor variations across villages in the district, with a common aim of ensuring the well-being of all families.
