Where a paternal sister drinks sesame oil for three years to bring harmony and good harvest. The Kamdev (Khamdev) temple in Narnoor village is the spiritual centre of the Thodasam clan of Raj Gonds. Every January, on the full moon of Pushya, the temple hosts a five-day jatara that is unlike any other in Telangana. The festival’s core ritual involves a chosen paternal sister (the clan’s Bhavani) consuming a large quantity of handmade sesame oil over three consecutive years — a vow believed to fulfil dreams, ensure good produce, and bring happiness to the entire community.
This tradition began in 1961, and since then more than twenty paternal sisters have successfully completed the three-year cycle. Devotees from Gond, Kolam, Thoti, and Pardhan communities attend barefoot, abstaining from liquor, and offer prayers to Lord Khamdev — their Kula Devata (personal god). The jatara also serves as an annual reunion for the Thodasam clan, with relatives gathering from across districts and neighbouring states.
Lord Khamdev – The Personal God of Thodasam Clan
Khamdev (also spelled Kamdev) is not the Hindu god of love (Kamadeva) but a distinct clan deity of the Thodasam sub-clan of Raj Gonds. The Thodasam honour him as their Kula Devata — the personal god who protects the clan’s lineage, ensures agricultural prosperity, and resolves community disputes. Unlike mainstream temple deities, Khamdev’s rituals are deeply rooted in Gond cosmology and are performed exclusively by the clan’s traditional priests and the chosen paternal sister.
According to oral tradition, Khamdev appeared to the ancestors of the Thodasam in the forests of Narnoor and promised to watch over them if they performed an annual festival with unique offerings — especially handmade sesame oil. The oil ritual is believed to cool the deity’s anger, bring rains on time, and protect the community from diseases. The Adivasis believe that carrying forward this tradition without break ensures good crops, happiness, and harmony.
The Extraordinary Sesame Oil Ritual – A Three-Year Vow
What is the ritual? One paternal sister of the Thodasam clan (a Bhavani, or clan sister) is chosen to consume a large quantity of handmade sesame oil (til oil) over the course of three consecutive years during the annual jatara. The oil is prepared traditionally by the community without any modern processing. The sister drinks it as a sacred offering to Lord Khamdev — the act is believed to transfer the community’s burdens to her, purifying the clan and fulfilling everyone’s dreams.
Why three years? The three-year cycle represents completion and devotion. After successfully completing the three years, the sister attains high spiritual status within the clan, and another sister may take up the vow in future years. Since the tradition began in 1961, more than twenty paternal sisters have successfully completed the three-year cycle. The ritual is physically demanding, and the community supports the chosen sister with prayers and medical care.
Elder of the Thodasam clan explains: “The oil ritual is not about endurance alone — it is about sacrifice. The sister drinks the oil on behalf of the entire clan. Her act pleases Khamdev, who then blesses us with good harvest, health, and unity. Without this ritual, the jatara would lose its meaning.”
The Five-Day Jatara – Customs, Offerings, and Reunion
Duration change: Until 2017, the Kamdev jatara lasted 15 days. In December 2017, the community decided to shorten it to five days while preserving all essential rituals. The five-day schedule is now followed annually.
Daily schedule: The jatara begins with tribals making offerings to Lord Khamdev — coconuts, flowers, turmeric, and homemade sweets. The sesame oil ritual is performed on the most auspicious day (usually the full moon). Pilgrims, both girijans (tribals) and non-tribals, throng the temple from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
Customs of purity: As part of the rituals, members of the Thodasam clan keep away from consuming liquor throughout the festival. All devotees visit the temple without wearing any footwear (barefoot), as a mark of humility before Khamdev. The temple premises are considered sacred ground.
Family reunion: The jatara is also a major social event — relatives who have migrated to cities or other districts return to Narnoor. They engage in affectionate chats, share traditional food, and strengthen clan bonds. Those unable to attend celebrate in their own villages with their community.
Who Attends – A Confluence of Adivasi Communities
The Kamdev Jatara is not limited to the Thodasam clan alone. It attracts Adivasis from several tribes:
- Gond (Raj Gond) – the largest group, considering Khamdev as a revered deity.
- Kolam – a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) from Adilabad and surrounding areas.
- Thoti – traditional community associated with Gond rituals.
- Pardhan – bards and genealogists of the Gonds, who recite the deity’s legends.
Devotees also come from neighbouring states: Maharashtra (especially from Gadchiroli and Chandrapur), Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, besides Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The jatara serves as a rare platform where different Adivasi groups meet, exchange news, and reaffirm their shared cultural roots.
From 15 days to 5 days (2017)
In December 2017, the Thodasam clan elders decided to reduce the jatara duration from 15 days to 5 days to accommodate the changing lifestyles of younger generations and reduce economic burden. However, all core rituals — including the sesame oil consumption, barefoot processions, and community feasts — remain intact. The decision was widely welcomed.
Handmade sesame oil
The oil used in the ritual is not store-bought. It is extracted the traditional way using a wooden ghani (oil press) by community members. The process is laborious but considered essential for the ritual’s purity. The oil is offered to the deity before the sister consumes it.
No footwear, no liquor
These two rules are strictly observed. Even high-ranking officials and visitors remove their footwear before entering the temple hill area. Alcohol consumption is banned in the village during the jatara — violators are socially boycotted. This discipline has preserved the festival’s sanctity for decades.
Parallel celebrations
Thodasam families who cannot travel to Narnoor celebrate the jatara in their own villages with simplified rituals — they still observe the oil offering and barefoot prayers, but the main temple remains the epicentre.
Witness the Festival – Traveler’s Guide
When to go
Pushya masam full moon (January). Exact date changes yearly. The five-day festival includes the full moon day as the most important. Check with Adilabad district tribal welfare office or local news for exact dates.
How to reach
Nearest airport: Hyderabad (290 km). Railway: Adilabad (approx 45 km) or Mancherial (60 km). Road: TSRTC buses from Hyderabad to Adilabad, then local buses to Narnoor (frequent during jatara). Narnoor is well-connected by road to Utnoor and Inderavelly.
Where to stay
Basic accommodation in Narnoor (community halls, temporary shelters). Better to stay in Adilabad town (45 km) or Utnoor (25 km) and travel daily. Some homestays may be available through local contacts or Telangana Tourism.
What to expect
Large crowds (tens of thousands), traditional drumming, barefoot pilgrims, and a festive yet reverent atmosphere. The sesame oil ritual is conducted in a restricted area but can be witnessed from a respectful distance. Expect dust and basic facilities; carry your own water and snacks.
Photography & conduct
Always ask permission before photographing the chosen sister or close-up rituals. The temple area is sacred – remove footwear, avoid alcohol, and do not touch the oil or offerings. Do not interfere with the ritual proceedings. Dress modestly.
Explore Adilabad – Tribal & Nature Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of sesame oil?
Sesame oil (til oil) is considered sacred and purifying in Gond tradition. The homemade oil, offered to Khamdev, is believed to absorb the community’s sins and afflictions. The paternal sister’s consumption of the oil symbolically carries away those burdens.
Is the oil consumption dangerous?
The ritual is performed under supervision of clan elders and traditional healers. The chosen sister undergoes preparation and is given only a specific quantity each day. Over 20 sisters have completed it successfully without major health issues, though it is undoubtedly a severe physical test.
Can women from other clans perform the ritual?
No, only a paternal sister (daughter of a Thodasam clan male) can be chosen. The selection is done by clan elders and the temple priest based on her willingness and family’s consent.
Why was the duration reduced from 15 to 5 days?
In 2017, the community decided that 15 days was too long for modern participants, especially those working in cities. The shorter 5-day format retains all essential rituals while reducing economic strain and encouraging higher attendance.
Are non-tribals allowed to watch the oil ritual?
Yes, but from a respectful distance. The inner sanctum and the area where the sister consumes the oil are restricted to clan members and invitees. However, the processions, temple offerings, and cultural performances are open to all.
What other activities happen during the jatara?
Folk dances (Dhimsa and Gussadi), Pardhan ballad recitations, local craft stalls, and community feasts. The atmosphere is festive but disciplined, with no loud music after certain hours.
References & More Information
- The Hans India – Kamdev temple Jatara begins (2017)
- Daily Bhaskar – Shocking facts of Kamdev
- Wikipedia – Adilabad district (tribal culture)
- Telangana Tourism – Tribal festivals
- Article by Madavi Manik Rao on Kamdev jatara (The Hans India, Jan 14, 2017)