Bolangir: The famous Sulia Yatra in Bolangir district will be organised on January 19 this year in strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. The annual festival is observed by the tribals of Khairguda and Kumuria villages under Deogaon block of the district.
The Yatra organising committee on Tuesday finalised the date of the festival in a meeting and prepared a blueprint for the same. As per reports, the members of the committee have also decided to perform animal sacrifice during the festival.
"Our annual Sulia Yatra is organised on the second Tuesday of the month of Pausha. This year, it will take place on January 19," said secretary of 'Milita Sulia Yatra Committee', Maya Pradhani.
On animal sacrifice, he said, "The festival will be organised as per the tribal custom."
However, the district administration is yet to hold any meeting or announce anything related to the annual festival.
Holding weapons, the tribals of the area take out a rally, worship gods and goddesses with ancient rituals, and sacrifice birds and animals. The sacrifice is part of their tribal custom and believed to be an act of gratitude to the deity.
It is worth mentioning that Sulia Yatra is one of the major festivals of tribals in western Odisha. Devotees from and outside the State throng the district in large numbers to witness the festival.