Odisha villagers perform ‘Ekoisia Puja’ ritual of elephant calf for a long life, watch

In a heartfelt gesture promoting wildlife conservation, the residents of Gurung village in Angul district performed ‘Ekoisia Puja’ for a newborn elephant calf. The special ritual, conducted by priests, was held to pray for the long life of the baby elephant.

According to reports, many wild animals, including elephants, have been facing untimely deaths in the region. However, on March 12, an elephant gave birth to a calf in Gurung village, bringing joy to the villagers. To mark the occasion, the community organised religious ceremonies, including yajna and Trinath Mela, to bless the newborn.

The event was followed by a grand feast, where villagers gathered to celebrate. This unique initiative highlights the community’s deep respect for wildlife.

Guarding Wildlife for 40 Years

Additionally, the villagers of Gurung have been actively protecting their surrounding forests for nearly 40 years, where locals take turns safeguarding the jungle. Their collective efforts ensure the safety of both the forests and the wildlife within them, setting an inspiring example of environmental conservation.

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What Locals Say?

“An elephant gave birth to a calf in our village. After the completion of 21 days, we performed Satyanaranayan puja and organized a feast. We want to ensure the safety of the wildlife,” said Arun Nayak, a local resident.

“The elephant has been named as Buddhaditya. Through our unique initiative, we want to make people aware that we must work towards the safety of wild animals. For the last 40-50 years, we have been guarding the forest,” said Kandarpa Nayak, president of the village.