Festivals

Nearly 20,000 devotees from Mancherial town, Mandamarri, Bellampalli, Ramakrishnapur, Srirampur, Luxettipet towns, several mandals of the district and neighbouring districts joined the celebrations. Mancherial: Devotees thronged the Sri Durga Devi temple at an abandoned quarry owned by the Mancherial Cement Company (MCC) near Gadpur village as part of the Bonalu celebrations on Sunday. Nearly 20,000 devotees from Mancherial town, Mandamarri, Bellampalli, Ramakrishnapur, Srirampur, Luxettipet towns, several mandals of the district and neighbouring districts made a beeline to the holy site. They worshipped the deity by performing special prayers and offering chickens and goats as a token of gratitude for the well-being of their family members.

Dandari Gussadi Festival – Mancherial The Dandari Gussadi Festival is a vibrant tribal celebration observed by the Gond community in the Mancherial district. This festival is held during the Deepavali season and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gonds. The highlight of the festival is the Gussadi dance, where male performers dress in traditional attire, wearing decorated headgear, ornaments, and body paint. They visit villages, dancing to the rhythmic beats of dhols and traditional instruments. The festival represents joy, unity, and gratitude toward nature. It also reflects the tribal belief system, honoring local deities and ancestral spirits. The colorful costumes, energetic dance movements, and festive celebrations attract visitors from across Telangana. Today, the Dandari Gussadi Festival stands as a symbol of pride for the Gond community and an important cultural event in Mancherial

Gandhari Khilla (Gandhari Fort) Gandhari Khilla, located near Mancherial, is an ancient hilltop fort known for its historical significance and beautiful natural surroundings. The fort is believed to date back to the Kakatiya period and offers scenic views from the top. Visitors can see old fort walls, stone structures, and pathways that reflect the architectural style of ancient rulers. The area is also surrounded by thick forests, making it a popular spot for trekking, photography, and nature exploration. Gandhari Khilla is an ideal place for those who enjoy history, adventure, and peaceful landscapes. Maisamma Jatara Maisamma Jatara is one of the major local festivals celebrated with great devotion near Gandhari village. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Maisamma, who is worshipped as the protector of the village and farmlands. During the Jatara, devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers, perform traditional rituals, and participate in cultural programs. The vibrant atmosphere, colorful decorations, and traditional Bonalu-inspired offerings make the event special. The Jatara is a reflection of local culture and community spirit, attracting visitors from nearby towns and villages every year.

Mancherial: People celebrated the Dussehra festival in a grand gesture. On the occasion of Vijayadashami festival on Saturday, the Jammi tree was worshiped grandly. Farmers prayed to Goddess Durga for good crops. They put JammiAaku in each other’s hands and greeted each other with joy. Alai Balai was taken at the Jammi tree and a special pooja was offered to the goddess who appeared in nine avatars during Navratri and offered new clothes. Devotees performed the Shobhayatra of Goddess Durga and took a grand dip.