Baripada (Mayurbhanj): Have you ever heard about a marriage between a human and dog with all rituals? At a time when man continues to march into the digital age in leaps and bounds, you will be surprised to see such customs still rule the roost in Odisha.
People of the Ho community who form a sizeable population in several interior areas of Mayurbhanj like Gambhariapala, Dhanupurti believe that the age-old tradition is able to protect their children from diseases. Though superstitious, the unique practice is observed in every village dominated by Ho tribals with religious fervour.
As per locals, it is very inauspicious when primary teeth emerge in the upper jaw of their children after two- three years of the birth. These teeth, what they call canine teeth, cause disease like fever and other flu related ailments.
"If we marry off our children with dog, we could save them from fever. This tradition is continuing for generations. It is not a superstition," a woman of Dhanupurti in the district said.
The Ho tribals believe that the 100-year old tradition keep away their children from evil effects. “We believe marrying off our children with dogs can protect them from various diseases. It's our age-old tradition. We are continuing it,” a resident of the same village said.
The custom is observed between Makar Sankranti and Maha Shivratri. As per the ritual, they conduct a special puja at a cross-road in the village followed by a discussion between the family members of groom and bride.
Later, family members and relatives of groom visit to the bride's home with wedding materials. Then, both families dress the dog and child as bride and groom before solemnising their wedding.
A special party with Handia (fermented rice beer) as key cuisine is thrown, where members of both the groups engage themselves in merry making by dancing and singing to the tune of various tribal music.