They entered the temple of the serpent god, the clan god of the Boigutta branch of the Mesram Raj Gonds and Pardhans of former composite Adilabad district, giving a solemn start to the rituals associated with the start of the famous annual Nagoba jatara also known as Keslapur jatara after the village in Indervelli mandal where the even takes place. One of the most important part of the jatara, which followed the maha puja, was ‘bheting’ or introduction of the new brides in the clan to the clan god. The run up to the maha puja also saw some interesting cultural aspects of the ethnic tribes all along the day. The water was used to make sacred ant hill, the abode of the serpent god. Pardhan musicians led by the septuagenarian Mesram Tukdoji played music on the ancient kingri string instrument inside the temple while all rituals were being performed.

Source: The Hindu January 24, 2020 14:48 UTC