Adilabad: Gussadi Festival Begins with Grandeur
The Gussadi festival started in Adilabad district on Friday with much enthusiasm and celebration.
Many events are organized by the Adivasi communities of Adilabad and neighboring Maharashtra during the Diwali festival. One of the main attractions is the Gussadi dance, which is performed during the Dandari festival. This festival lasts for 9 days, and women’s dances are also quite popular during this time.
The Gussadi festival kicks off with Bhogi on the first day. During the celebrations, traditional musical instruments, drums, and dolls are worshipped as part of the rituals.
One of the unique features of the festival is the special hat made of peacock feathers, which is decorated with garlands. Charcoal is applied to the dung, and participants wear goat skin on the ground. They also carry a stick called Gangaram Sota. Meanwhile, women perform the Verunga dance separately from the men. The village beats drums, and the dancers are welcomed with joy as they enter other villages. The festival concludes on the final day with a ritual called Kolla Bodi.
The Adivasi Gussadi festival is a major highlight of Diwali celebrations throughout Telangana, drawing attention for its rich cultural heritage.
