Hyderabad: The historic 101st annual Christian jatara will start at Dharur on Tuesday. Nestled amid Nature’s bountiful in Ananthagiri forest, the event attracts thousands of Christian families from Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra, who camp in the woods, cook food in earthen utensils using firewood for a throwback to the distant past. While bhajans are rendered all through the night, some take bath in the adjacent stream. A few families stay there till its conclusion on Sunday. As part of their vow, many faithful walk all the way from their respective states.
“The jatara comes across as a break from the hectic life as they can spend time with nature and god. The worship here is out of this world” said Ruth Karuna Mani Masicharan, the jatara group leader.
V.D. Samuel from Gudimalkapur recalled the days when he used to participate along with his grandparents. “I remember our singers and musicians, who would stay there for a couple of days. This is an annual event that is a must-visit destination for many of us.”
Rev C.G. Dayanand, secretary, Darur jathara committee, said, “The jatara, which usually takes place in November, had to be postponed in view of the Assembly elections. It has been rescheduled to December 5 to 10. Incidentally, this is the first time that the jatara has been postponed.”
He added, “With a turnout of lakhs of people, this jatara sees the largest Christina gathering in Asia. Over 10 lakh are likely to participate on the last day.”
