Though the villagers in the Mahendragiri hills appease Goddess Mahendraswari near The Kunti temple during Navratri by animal sacrifice and liquor offerings, this year they will stay away from the practice. They have taken an oath in this regard. Since October 6, 51 villagers of surrounding villages of Mahendragiri led by Laxmibaba have begun a ritual prayer with pious Yagnya, taking food for once in a day. The event will go on till October 14. After completion of all rituals and prayers, a sensitization drive will be held in the tribal villages to shun liquor. Notably, the Mahendragiri hills are very significant from historical and mythological points of view. For centuries, the hills have remained a spiritual heritage of all Hindus. As per the Mahabharata, the Pandavas with Maa Kunti had stayed here during their Angyatvasa and prayed the presiding deity of the hills.