Sulia Jatra kick starts in Bolangir, animal sacrifice tradition continues unabated

Sulia Jatra characterised by historic customs saw the sacrifice of a significant number of animals and birds at Khairaguda and Kumuria villages under Deogaon block in Bolangir district on Tuesday.

Villagers from the region assembled in large numbers bearing traditional arms to participate in a vibrant procession culminating in these rituals.

Sulia Peetha, a revered site, became the epicentre for these ceremonial sacrifices. More than a hundred animals including goats, sheep, and poultry were offered as part of the customary rituals observed with no formal restrictions this year. Sulia Pitha is an open place situated on a hilltop surrounded by a picturesque landscape and a large water reservoir.

“Thousands of birds and animals like cock, pigeon, fowl, goat and sheep were sacrificed at Bada Khala and Nua Khala of Sulia Pitha,” said an eyewitness.

“People in the area have a lot of faith and belief in the festival. They celebrate it with a lot of devotion to fulfill their wishes,” said a local denizen.

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As per their belief, it is an act of gratitude to the deity and meant to pay back the debt after the fulfilment of their wishes.

In preparation for the main event, a ‘nishi puja’, or midnight worship, was conducted, which set the ritualistic prerequisites for the proceedings. The Sulia Yatra attracted enthusiastic crowds, with local authorities ensuring safety through the deployment of two platoons, maintaining peace throughout the event.

Despite the robust turnout and adherence to tradition, a longstanding dispute between two community factions led to the cancellation of the full-scale Sulia Jatra this year. Nonetheless, the traditional procession was successfully conducted, preserving a vital segment of this cultural heritage as efforts continue to reconcile the community disagreements.