Youth take lead in Mesram clan’s journey to Godavari

Hastinamadugu (Mancherial): In a display of devotion and personal discipline, members of the Adivasi Mesram clan undertook their annual on-foot pilgrimage (padayatra) to the Godavari River, covering nearly 150 km from the Nagoba Temple. Early on Friday morning, they reached Hastinamadugu in Mancherial district and collected sacred Gangajal in a Kalasham.

Unlike previous years, more youth participated in this year’s pilgrimage, which began on January 10. On arrival at the Godavari, the clan ensured they were the first to touch the water, taking a holy dip and performing traditional rituals. They then prepared a special meal before setting out on their return journey to the Kelpaur Temple with the sacred water.

Mesram clan elders have been actively involving younger members — such as Shanker and Arun, who are pursuing degrees, and Gopal, studying for his SSC — to pass on their customs and way of life to the next generation. Meram Tirupathi explained, “We are strictly following the traditions and rituals our forefathers observed. If the new generation does not continue these practices, the Adivasi identity will lose its traditional base.”

The Mesram community has always allowed students to join the padayatra during holidays, ensuring their academics are not disrupted. “We do not disturb the studies of our youth,” noted Koserao. “They are only permitted to join when they have breaks like Sankranti, which coincided with our journey this year.”

For many participants, the pilgrimage is a source of spiritual and personal growth. “It’s our responsibility to preserve our unique culture by taking part in community events like the Godavari padayatra without neglecting our studies,” said Shankar, a degree final-year MPC student in Utnoor. “I feel energised and more confident after the padayatra.”

Gopal, who is taking part for the third time, added that the journey strengthens his resolve to uphold Mesram clan traditions. The devotees’ commitment to collecting Gangajal on foot, rather than relying on modern transport, underlines the clan’s dedication to preserving their heritage and identity.