Hundreds of Santhal tribals of Sukinda block observed Podabangasahai Puja on Wednesday to welcome winter season by organising a dance.
Males and females danced to the tune of Changu, a tribal drum, and sang songs expressing their merriment over the onset of winter in several tribal dominated villages of the district.
Many tribals sacrificed cocks and forced cattle to trample eggs of hens with a belief to live better in the winter season. They also poured Handia, a local tribal brew, over the head of the tribal deities. It is custom that the tribals tend to organise a festivity whenever a new season arrives.
“The winter festival is an important festival for tribals as they pray before the deity for their good health. Poor that they are, a large number of tribals cannot afford to buy warm clothes in the winter and hence, they use fire, Handia and coals to keep them warm,” said Damu Hansada of Kaliapani village.
It was a beautiful day in the tribal villages. Other tribal clans from around the district were also there to celebrate the festival. However, primarily it was a festival of the Santhals who played an important cultural and historical role in the State.
It was a celebration organised by the Santhals without any Government aid, said social worker Manzoor Alli.