Baripada: A Santali tribal family from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district successfully performed a traditional ritual to return to their original religion after five years.
Officials said this event underscores the deep cultural resilience of the region’s indigenous communities as they continue to practice and preserve their ancestral customs
Speaking on the event, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Mayur
bhanj, Netrananda Mallick said the administration received information about the tribal communities celebrating their traditional customs.
“We came to know that some tribal communities celebrated their traditions. They performed it in different areas of the district. It shows their resilience in a modern society. They are actively working to maintain their unique cultural and spiritual structures,” he said.
Notably, Mayurbhanj boasts the largest concentration of the Santal community in Odisha, making it a vital hub for preserving the community’s heritage and traditions.
The Santal community relies heavily on their ancestral belief systems, nature worship, and sacred groves (Jaher). Rituals celebrating their return to indigenous customs—or honouring their heritage—are a regular part of community life.