No doors, no locks, no theft: This village in Odisha upholds centuries-old tradition of faith

In a world where security is a constant concern, there exists a village in Odisha that challenges this very notion. At Bankamuha Harijan Sahi, under Bhandaripokhari block of Bhadrak district, homes stand proudly without doors, windows, or locks. What keeps them safe? The villagers believe it's the unwavering protection of their village deity, revered as the divine guardian of every doorstep.

The practice, deeply rooted in tradition, has continued for generations. Of the roughly 70 families residing in the village, only three or four homes have doors. Even those were installed only after conducting special rituals, seeking permission from the goddess, and placing her symbolic wooden staff and footprints at the entrance.

Natabar Jena, the first to break tradition by installing a door in 2011, said, “Before fixing the door, I offered prayers and placed the goddess’ sacred symbols. Only after her blessings did I proceed.”

 
Following him, two other families followed suit, yet no misfortune has befallen them, reassuring the village that the goddess' grace remains intact.

Origin Of This ‘No Doors’ Tradition

The origin of this tradition dates back decades. Elders recount the discovery of a wooden log floating on the river, which, after appearing in villagers’ dreams, was enshrined under a tree and worshipped as the village goddess. Ever since, the deity has been considered the spiritual protector, watching over every home like a living lock.

“We are staying near the village. It is for the last several decades that the Goddess has been worshiped here. It is her grace that no theft has been reported here,” said Duryodhan Lenka, a resident of the neighbouring panchayat.

Villagers like Balaram Jena and Tunia Jena affirmed, “We may not have locks, but we sleep peacefully. Maa (the goddess) is our shield. She guards our homes better than any iron lock.”

Despite most houses being government-constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, villagers continue using bamboo screens instead of doors. Even dilapidated mud huts have no doors, but theft has never been reported in the village, a fact locals attribute solely to the divine watch.

While some outsiders may view the practice as superstition, for Bankamuha residents, it is a legacy of trust, simplicity, and unwavering faith. Even as modernity creeps into rural Odisha, this unique village continues to uphold its centuries-old tradition, showing the world that sometimes faith is the strongest lock of all.