The annual Sulia festival kicked off with its gory rituals with strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines in Deogaon block under Bolangir district from Tuesday.
Hundreds of birds and animals were sacrificed at Bada Khala in Khairguda and Sana Khala in Kumuria village amid tight security arrangements.
Despite awareness campaigns by various social organisations, the tribals stuck to their decision of continuing animal sacrifice during Sulia citing tradition. Prior to the sacrifice ritual in both the villages, tribals took out a procession to the Sulia Pitha in the morning holding traditional weapons besides, animals and birds that were to be sacrificed to appease the presiding deity.
The tribals believe that appeasing the deity by sacrificing animals brings good rainfall and harvest.
Earlier a day before, an important ritual of worshipping traditional weapons was performed amidst the reverberating sound of beating of ‘panchabadya’ prior to the festival. A ritual called ‘Nishipuja’ was also performed in the midnight.
The administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure the observance of the festival in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.
Four platoons of police force have been deployed at the festival ground to ensure security. RT-PCR tests of all those who are taking part in the festival like priests and servitors have been conducted.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)