Where Tradition Breathes, Narur Sindhudurg.
Khapara Utsav is a deeply revered and culturally significant festival celebrated in Narur village, located in the Kudal taluka of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The Khapara Utsav, celebrated every two years, is a testament to the villagers devotion. During the festival, various rituals and processions are held, and devotees from Narur and neighboring villages also from nearby states like Goa, Karnataka gather to seek the blessings of Shri Khapara Dev.
“Beneath the Mask”
Jaite Parab, a warrior of exceptional courage, once served as a fort keeper (Killeddar) under the Sawantwadi principality. One day, he decided to bring his only daughter, who was married, back to her maternal home. However, when he went to her in-laws’ house, they refused to send her with him alone, as she wasn’t accompanied by her traditional maidservant (kulambin). So, he returned to Tulas, and later set out again this time with the kulambin and a loyal aide named Nagal Mahar.
This journey to bring his daughter home turned tragic when he was attacked by Bhil tribesmen while crossing RanganaGhat, a hilly pass in the Sahyadris. The Bhils noticed the ornaments worn by the kulambin and attempted to abduct her. A fierce fight broke out. Jaite Parab bravely fought back, killing many with his sword. But as the Bhils retreated into the forest, they began shooting arrows from cover. The kulambin was struck and died on the spot. Jaite Parab was hit in the head by an arrow and severely wounded. The Bhils stole the ornaments from the dead kulambin and fled. Jaite Parab was carried back by his loyal servant Nagal Mahar, whose devotion became as legendary as his master’s bravery.
Nagal Mahar, loyal and heartbroken, bandaged his master’s wounds and carried him on his back toward Tulas.
On the way his first stop is Narur village.
A kind local vaidya named Sudrik took them in and tried to treat Jaite Parab. But the wound was fatal. On Vaishakh Vaidya 14, Jaite Parab passed away. It is said that before his death, he spiritually entered Sudrik’s body and gave instructions for his final rites.
Legacy and Temple
In Narur, a Temple were built in honor of Jaite Parab. In the Khapara Utsav, there’s a key ritual where Shri Dev Khapara is believed to “search for the Bhil attackers” who ambushed him centuries ago in the Sahyadri forest. This Utsav is celebrated over two days, and the key ritual takes place three times during those two days. This is done in the form of a ritual performance around the temple and surrounding area. Devotees believe that even after death, Jaite Parab’s spirit seeks justice for the attack, especially for the kulambin who was killed and the betrayal by the Bhils.
During the Utsav, He is said to move around the temple in search of these “Vir/Veer (Murderers)” with one hand holding the weapon of justice(Sura/ small sword), and the other carrying the face of divine rage and pain. believed to be in a state of divine possession channeling Khapara Dev himself. The weapon becomes a tool of ritual presence & red mask, called “Khapara”, represents the divine wrath.
It’s not a peaceful deity form it’s the angry, searching, restless avatar.The Anger is Protective, Not Destructive.
The festival also strengthens collective memory, making sure the sacrifice is not forgotten. The Shri Dev Khapara Utsav is more than a festival. It is a walking story, a cultural epic told by feet, folks, and unwavering faith. It reminds us how personal history can become collective legacy when a man’s final journey becomes a people’s spiritual path.
This isn’t just a celebration. It’s a ritual of remembrance. From the blade of a warrior/killedar to the mask of a god the story of Khapara is not over. It walks with us, every time the festival begins again.
