Kandakur Scorpion Fair Draws Thousands To Yadgir For A Unique Nagara Panchami Tradition

A striking religious tradition in Yadgir district has once again attracted attention during Nagara Panchami, as devotees gathered at Kandakur village for the annual Scorpion Fair.

Unlike the usual Nagara Panchami celebrations centred around snakes, the festival at the Kondamayi Devi hill is associated with live scorpions. Devotees, including children and elderly people, are seen handling the creatures as part of the local tradition.

The event takes place at Kandakur village in Gurmatkal taluk, where the hill dedicated to Kondamayi Devi becomes the centre of activity during the festival. Thousands of people reportedly arrive from different parts of Karnataka as well as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra.

According to local belief, scorpions found around the hill do not harm devotees. Some worshippers also believe that even if a person is stung, the venom does not affect the body while they are within the deity’s sacred surroundings.

Another belief associated with the festival is that applying the turmeric powder offered at the temple, locally known as bhandara, can provide relief from pain if someone is stung.

The sight is particularly unusual because large numbers of red scorpions are said to appear around the hill during Nagara Panchami. Local devotees consider their presence an important part of the annual religious celebration.

For visitors, the festival offers a glimpse into a distinctive folk tradition that has continued for generations. The combination of faith, local customs and the unusual presence of live scorpions makes the Kandakur celebration unlike the more familiar Nagara Panchami events seen elsewhere.

However, scorpions can be venomous and their stings can cause serious reactions. Handling wild scorpions should therefore not be considered safe simply because of local beliefs, and anyone who is stung should seek appropriate medical attention promptly.