Bada Khala (Bolangir): Despite a ban, animal sacrifice marked the beginning of the tribal festival Sulia Jatra in the Balangir district of Odisha on Tuesday. Hundreds of tribals of Khairaguda and Kumuria villages in Balangir observed the festival by sacrificing numerous animals and birds at Khairgura village.
According to reports, a multitude of tribals thronged Sulia Pitha on Monday night to offer sacrifices at Bada Khala of Khairaguda and Sana Khala of Kumuria. Animal sacrifice was performed on Tuesday morning after the tribals marched in processions to observe the ‘Nishi Puja’ ritual. Hundreds of tribals carrying traditional weapons marched in a procession that culminated at the festival site. The chief priest of the tribals performed rituals before the animal sacrifice.
According to locals, thousands of birds and animals like cock, pigeons, fowl, goats, sheep and buffalo calves were sacrificed at Bada Khala and Nua Khala of Sulia Pitha. The local tribals believe that an animal sacrifice is an act of gratitude to their deity. Through it, they offer their thankfulness after the fulfilment of their wishes.
Meanwhile, adequate security arrangement was made to maintain the law and order situation. Five platoon police forces, Home Guards and ODRAF teams were deployed in the area to control any untoward incident.
Sulia Pitha is an open place on a hilltop surrounded by a scenic landscape and a large water reservoir.
