Tribal festival Nagoba Jatara | At Keslapur | In Adilabad District

Nagoba Jatara is the second largest tribal carnival celebrated in Telangana annually for 10 days by the Mesram clan of Gond community, They offer prayers to Nagoba the Serpent God with many customs and rituals that follow.
Around 3 to 4 lakhs of Adivasi or Gond tribals from various parts of India like Andhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Chattisgarh reach Nagoba temple every year.

Major Events :
-------------------
Cleaning : Temple is cleaned with water brought in earthen pots from Hastina Madugu(It is a pond where Nagoba God is believed to have quenched his thirst after having Naivedyam) of Godavari river. 

Maha Puja : Jatara or Carnival of 10 days starts with the ritual of mahapuja.

Bheting : Ritual of Introduction of newly married bride drapped with white cloth around the saree to Nagoba God.

Ant Hill (Adobe of God) : Building of Ant hill by the women with water fetched from Hastina Madugu is one of the ritual.

Music : Music is played as a part of tradition by head of the clan using an ancient string instrument called Kingri.

Praja Darbar : This has become an integral part of the Jatara/Carnival where Government officials meet Tribal people to discuss the problems or issues.

Travelling Details
--------------------------------------
Place : Nagoba temple is in Keslapur/Keslaguda village of Adilabad district, Telangana.

Jatara/Carnival Time: During Hindu Pushya Masam for 10 days, comes around December and January.

History : One of the version is that the Nagoba the Serpent God was angry with misconduct of a person belonging to Gond community, To relax him people of mesram clan of Gond offered him Naivedyam or sacred food which the God liked it so much, that he said offerings should be made every year. Thus the Nagoba carnival began.

Distance: From Hyderabad : around 300kms From Adilabad : 33 kms

How to reach : Trains and Buses are available from Hyderabad to reach Adilabad. Nearest railway station is Sirpur Kagaz nagar (23kms) or major connecting Kazipet Railway station. After reaching Adilabad, one can reach temple by local transport.

Major Attractions : Gusadi tribal dance of Gond community is worth a watch. Watching so many tourists at one place, doing various rituals is special. Can play and buy a lot of stuff from Tribal fair. 
Where to Stay : Basic accommodation is provided in near by villages, Adilabad has better stay options.

Places to visit nearby : Kuntala Water falls Pranahita Wildlife sanctuary Basar Saraswati Temple Pochera Water falls Sivaram Wildlife sanctuary Kawal Wildlife sanctuary

Contact Info : Telangana Phone: +9140-23262151, 40-23262152, 40-23262153, 40-23262154, 40-2326215