The 'Thakur Deva' fair at Surjagad, which has been going on for hundreds of years, started from January 4. The tradition of holding a fair every year in the first week of the new year continues. The crowd of devotees increased from the third day of the fair. Because the tribal deity 'Thakur Deva' is worshiped on the third day itself. Puja is done by climbing the fort after risking one's life by crossing as many as seven kilometers of mountain valleys. After a tough journey, one gets a glimpse of 'Thakur Deva' here.
In the fair, the format of the fair is the arrival of devotees on the first day and Bindiya Puja on the second day, Ghatasthapana and, cultural program on the third day, the fort climbing and Mahapuja, and the guidance of the chief guests on the fourth day Ilakha Gram Sabha guidance and conclusion of the fair. Mainly, the crowd of devotees increases only on the third and fourth days. Devotees not only from the district but also from abroad come here to worship the Lord Thakur. Surjagad village is 20 km from Alapalli on Etapalli-Gatta road. So the place is 145 km from Gadchiroli district headquarters.
Journey of Thakur Devi
Thakur Dev Jatra attracts huge crowds every year. Devotees come to this fair with great enthusiasm. However, not many can reach the Thakur Dev temple situated at the top of the hill. As there is no road to go here, one has to make a difficult journey risking their lives. Therefore, some worship in the temple below and take darshan. But the devotees who have faith, who climb the fort every year with tireless efforts are having darshan of Thakur Deva at the fort. One has to cover a distance of seven kilometers and climb the mountain after worshiping and come back down seven kilometers. However, it is special that the devotees say that they do not feel any trouble on the day of worship.
Although this fair is held at some distance near Surjagad village, this area covered by dense forest is known to be Naxal infested. That's why the police have a gray eye. Various units of the Gadchiroli police force were deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident during the fair. Not only this, various activities were implemented at the fair through civic action. It also includes various games.
Sacrifice is customary in the temple at Surjagad. So devotees sacrifice goats and chickens. Tribals worship by playing musical instruments and dancing. Awareness is created about protecting water, forest and land by giving guidance about the Forest Act from Gram Sabha.
