Nagoba Jatara
The Nagoba Jatara is the second largest tribal festival in India, celebrated with immense fervor in the village of Keslapur. This ten-day event is dedicated to the serpent god Nagoba, who is the clan deity of the Mesram clan of the Gond tribes. Every year in the Hindu month of Pushya (usually Janua ry or February), thousands of tribal devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha gather here. The festival begins with a sacred ritual where the Mesram elders bring water from the Godavari river in a traditional brass vessel to perform the "Abhishekam" of the deity. A unique feature of this Jatara is the "Bheting," where new brides of the clan are formally introduced to the deity and the community. The village of Keslapur transforms into a vibrant hub of culture, featuring traditional music, the famous Gusadi dance, and tribal markets. The government also organizes a "Praja Durbar" during the festival to address the grievances of the tribal people. The atmosphere is filled with the rhythmic beats of drums and the blowing of horns, creating a spiritual energy that is palpable. It is not just a religious event but a significant social gathering that reinforces the bonds of the tribal community. The rituals are strictly governed by ancient traditions that have been passed down through generations. For a visitor, it offers a rare window into the authentic lifestyle and beliefs of the Gond people. The fair also showcases tribal handicrafts, traditional foods, and ornaments. The sanctity of the Nagoba temple is maintained with great discipline by the clan members throughout the year.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
Cultural & ReligiousEntry Fees:
No Entry Charges: Access to the temple and the Jatara grounds is free for all. However, visitors may spend on food, parking (50-100 rupees), and local handicrafts. Donations to the temple trust are voluntary and used for the maintenance of the premises. ...No Entry Charges: Access to the temple and the Jatara grounds is free for all. However, visitors may spend on food, parking (50-100 rupees), and local handicrafts. Donations to the temple trust are voluntary and used for the maintenance of the premises.Timing:
Regular Temple Hours: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
Jatara Special Timing: During the festival in January, the venue is active 24 Hours with rituals continuing late into the night. ...Regular Temple Hours: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
Jatara Special Timing: During the festival in January, the venue is active 24 Hours with rituals continuing late into the night.Special Events:
The Holy Water Ritual: The most significant event is the arrival of the pilgrims with Godavari water on the full moon night. The entire village stays awake to witness the first puja performed at midnight. This marks the official commencement of the ten-day fair and is the...The Holy Water Ritual: The most significant event is the arrival of the pilgrims with Godavari water on the full moon night. The entire village stays awake to witness the first puja performed at midnight. This marks the official commencement of the ten-day fair and is the most emotionally charged moment of the entire festival.Best Photo Spots:
The Gusadi Dancers: Portraits of dancers with their iconic peacock feather hats are world-class shots.
The Night Fair: Long-exposure shots of the brightly lit Ferris wheels and stalls against the dark village sky.
Read MoreThe Gusadi Dancers: Portraits of dancers with their iconic peacock feather hats are world-class shots.
The Night Fair: Long-exposure shots of the brightly lit Ferris wheels and stalls against the dark village sky.
Ritual at the Temple: Capturing the white-clad devotees offering prayers at the stone temple entrance.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Witnessing the Gusadi Dance: Watching the high-energy traditional dance by the Gonds is a must.
Attending the Praja Durbar: Observing the unique administrative meeting where officials meet tribal leaders.
Tribal Market Shopping: Buying unique handmade bamboo items and tribal jewelry.
Participating in the Procession: Joining the colorful walk of the Mesram clan members.
Food Exploration: Tasting traditional tribal dishes like Jonna Rotte and local forest honey.
Visiting the Sacred Banyan Tree: Sitting under the ancient tree to experience the community spirit.
Photography of Rituals: Capturing the intricate tattoos and traditional white attire of the devotees. ...Witnessing the Gusadi Dance: Watching the high-energy traditional dance by the Gonds is a must.
Attending the Praja Durbar: Observing the unique administrative meeting where officials meet tribal leaders.
Tribal Market Shopping: Buying unique handmade bamboo items and tribal jewelry.
Participating in the Procession: Joining the colorful walk of the Mesram clan members.
Food Exploration: Tasting traditional tribal dishes like Jonna Rotte and local forest honey.
Visiting the Sacred Banyan Tree: Sitting under the ancient tree to experience the community spirit.
Photography of Rituals: Capturing the intricate tattoos and traditional white attire of the devotees.
Information
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Why Famous:
Global Tribal Heritage: Nagoba Jatara is famous for being a "State Festival" of Telangana that preserves the 500-year-old traditions of the Raj Gonds. It is world-renowned for the Gusadi dance performances where dancers wear massive peacock feather headgears. The festival...Global Tribal Heritage: Nagoba Jatara is famous for being a "State Festival" of Telangana that preserves the 500-year-old traditions of the Raj Gonds. It is world-renowned for the Gusadi dance performances where dancers wear massive peacock feather headgears. The festival's fame lies in its strict clan-based rituals and the massive congregation of diverse tribal groups from across Central India. -
Architecture:
The Sacred Stone Temple and Banyan Tree: The original site consisted of a simple earthen mound under a tree. In 2022, a new temple was constructed using carved stones following traditional Hindu temple architecture styles. The temple occupies an area of about 5000 square ...The Sacred Stone Temple and Banyan Tree: The original site consisted of a simple earthen mound under a tree. In 2022, a new temple was constructed using carved stones following traditional Hindu temple architecture styles. The temple occupies an area of about 5000 square feet. A massive, ancient Banyan Tree stands adjacent to the temple, serving as the "Pen Thana" or resting place for the devotees and their bullock carts during the festival. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Hyderabad Airport (310 KM).
By Train: Adilabad Railway Station (32 KM) is the closest major stop.
By Road: Direct RTC buses run from Adilabad and Utnoor.
By Local Trans...By Air: Hyderabad Airport (310 KM).
By Train: Adilabad Railway Station (32 KM) is the closest major stop.
By Road: Direct RTC buses run from Adilabad and Utnoor.
By Local Transport: Shared jeeps and autos are frequent from Indervelli. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Annual Festival Time: Specifically during the Pushya Masam (January/February).
Time of Day: Late evenings are best to see the cultural programs and the vibrant night life of the fair. ...Annual Festival Time: Specifically during the Pushya Masam (January/February).
Time of Day: Late evenings are best to see the cultural programs and the vibrant night life of the fair. -
Near Tourist Places:
Utnoor (15 KM), Adilabad (32 KM), Kuntala Falls (40 KM), Jainath Temple (50 KM), Pochera Falls (55 KM), Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary (65 KM), Basar (120 KM), Nirmal (85 KM), Kadam Dam (75 KM), Sahyadri Hills (20 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Cultural Respect: Dress modestly and seek permission before photographing sacred rituals.
Cash Readiness: Small vendors do not accept cards; keep enough change.
Health and Hygiene: Carry hand sanitizers an...Cultural Respect: Dress modestly and seek permission before photographing sacred rituals.
Cash Readiness: Small vendors do not accept cards; keep enough change.
Health and Hygiene: Carry hand sanitizers and drink bottled water as the fair can be very crowded.
Accommodation: Stay in Adilabad city as village lodging is limited to tribal tents.
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