Adilabad: Tribals preparing for their annual religious pilgrimage known as Pusmas may encounter tigers near their sacred sites, where animal sacrifices are traditionally performed. These pilgrimages, which begin in January, include visits to holy places like Jangu Bai and Bhimayak, which are located deep within the forests, where tigers have recently been spotted.
During the Pusmas festival that lasts from January 1 to 30, pujas are performed at places like Jangubai in Kotaparandholi, Pulikasa in Narnoor and Bhimayak in Danthanapalli. Nestled in valleys surrounded by hills and dense forests, these sacred sites house gods and goddesses in caves. At Jangu Bai, tribals light traditional oil lamps (diya) as part of their rituals.
Tigers frequent these areas, drawn to these sites by the scent of goat and chicken blood. Recently, tiger activity was reported near Munda in Goyagaon of Wankidi mandal in Komaram Bhim Asifabad district – a sacred place where tribals raise traditional flags and perform sacrifices to appease their gods.
During Pusmas, groups of tribals travel to these holy places on foot accompanied by traditional drums. In places like Toplikasa, families carry their deities (pen) and bathe them in holy water while children ride in bullock carts. Worshipers also visit the core area of Kaval Tiger Reserve, Demmal Rajul, and pray to Rajulpen, a wooden tiger effigy placed on the outskirts of the farm, for the protection of their cattle and themselves.
Elderly tribals say they have encountered tigers on past pilgrimages, noting that while they often hear roars or see big cats, devotees remain unharmed.
Mothiram Atram, a tribal writer from the Kolam tribe, said, “We worship Rajulpen (tiger) and pray for protection. Pilgrimage to Bhimayaka of Tiryani Mandal and bathing of Bheyaka of Toplikasa are sacred traditions deeply rooted in our culture.
As tribals prepare for their annual rituals, spiritual practices and the coexistence of wildlife continue to define their unique relationship with the forest they call home.