Santhal tribals of Sukinda block in Jajpur district performed dances in their respective villages on Saturday as part of a traditional festival to welcome winter season.
Hundreds of Santhal men and women danced to the tune of Changu, a tribal drum. Similarly, many of their families sacrificed cocks and forced cattle to trample eggs of hens with a belief to live a better live in winter.
The festival also marked many tribals pouring Handia, a local tribal brew, over the head of their deities.
“The winter festival is important for tribals as, on this occasion, they pray before the deity for their good health. large numbers of tribals never use any warm clothes and sit at the bonfire and drink Handia to get relief from cold,” said Ramu Hansada of Kaliapani village.
Sukinda MlA Pritiranjan Ghadai, who participated in the festival, also danced with the tribals.
He highlighted various steps undertaken by the Naveen Patnaik Government for the betterment of the poor tribals.
Among others, Sukinda block Chairperson Bhagabiti Mahanta, Sudhansu Bhanjan, Bibeka Boss and Kanha Hansda were present.
Notably, Santhals have been organising this cultural-rich festival without assistances of the Government.
