Odisha Of Yore

In Odisha’s West, A Different Bali Jatra

By
OB Bureau

In Sonepur, the land of Shakti worship, Bali Jatra assumes a different meaning altogether. According to tradition, the festival began during Raja Madan Gopal Singhdeo, the first Chauhan king of Sonepur, who ruled the mid 17th century. Bali here meant sacrifice of animals, which was a part of the worship of Shakti and a practice linked to Kandha population in the region. The 16-day festival is held in September-October. The word

Jatra denotes deities moving out of their abodes and making travels to different places. They were offered bali during these. The practice of sacrifices has declined over time, reduced mostly to symbolism these days.
OB Bureau

Share
By
OB Bureau
Tags: Bali Jatra

Recent Posts

Lok Sabha Polls: Just Over 60% Voter Turnout In Second Phase Too

New Delhi: The second phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections was held ‘smoothly and peacefully’…

April 26, 2024

Naveen Contesting From 2 Seats To Let VK Pandian Succeed Him, Says BJP; BJD Refutes

Bhubaneswar: Odisha unit of BJP on Friday alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is contesting…

April 26, 2024

Fact Check: Can Monkeypox Be Transmitted Through Sex?

London: New data has emerged about a more virulent strain of monkeypox virus. And what…

April 26, 2024

Old Woman Saved From Committing Suicide On Hospital Premises In Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: An alleged attempt to commit suicide by an old woman on a hospital premises…

April 26, 2024

High Court Slams Arvind Kejriwal For Not Resigning: ‘Prioritised Personal Interest’

New Delhi: Nothing is going right for Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Arrested…

April 26, 2024

Odisha Polls: Police Seize Rs 3.7 Lakh From Vehicle On Way To Chhattisgarh From Nuapada

Bhubaneswar: Days before the elections in Odisha's Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituency, police have seized around…

April 26, 2024

Doctors At Bhubaneswar’s KIMS Remove 2 Kg Diaphragmatic Tumour Without Opening Chest

Bhubaneswar: A team of doctors at KIMS Cancer Centre, led by Senior Surgical Oncologist Dr…

April 26, 2024

Court Announces Death Sentence For Double Murder Accused In Odisha’s Nayagarh

Nayagrah: A court has announced death sentence to an accused in a double murder case…

April 26, 2024