Balangir: Thousands of tribals gathered at Khairguda under Tusura police limits on Tuesday to celebrate the annual ‘Sulia Jatra’.
Predominantly a festival of animal sacrifice, the villagers believe that spilling of blood of animals and birds at the alter of Goddess Sulia brings good harvest and prosperity.
Thousands of birds and animals were sacrificed amid tight security arrangements at Bada Khala in Khairguda and Sana Khala in Kumuria village of Deogaon block of the district.
Khairguda is the citadel of the celebration where at the altar of Sulia Budha, the presiding deity is situated. The ritual started in the morning hour in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
The villagers took out a procession to the ritual site where the traditional weapons were also worshipped on the occasion.
The participants have been directed to maintain social distancing and use masks at all times.
Four platoons of police force have been deployed at the festival ground to maintain law and order. All those taking part in the festival like priests and servitors had to undergo RT-PCR tests before the beginning of the event and only those testing negative were allowed, informed sources.
For the last few years, following an Orissa High Court directive, the district administration had been taking steps to abolish the gory practice.
But after the Supreme Court in its verdict stated that the rituals and traditions of the tribals must be respected, the district administration backed out, limiting its role to ensure law and order at the festival site.
Animal sacrifice has been practised since ages by the Kandha tribe. Eight sub-castes of the community too practise the tradition, which is believed to be at least 500 years old, stated reports in The New Indian Express.
