Thousands of Santhal tribals of Sukinda block in Jajpur district observed Podabangasahai Puja on Sunday to welcome the winter through dance and music.
Both men and women danced to the tune of Changu and other traditional musical instruments. The tribals, through their song and music, prayed their deities to herald good days ahead for them and shower pleasant winter full of fruits and flowers.
Many tribals poured Handia, a local tribal brew, over the head of the tribal deities.
Tribals celebrate all the seasons by organizing dance and music festivals.
“The winter festival is an important festival for tribals as they pray before the deity for their good health in the winter. large numbers of tribals never use any warm clothes in the winter for which they need fire, Handia and coals keep them warm in the winter. In this festival many tribals drank Handia,” said Shyama Hansada of Kaliapani village.
“The Podabangasahai Puja of the Santhal tribals offers a unique spectacle. The tribal men and women, attired in new clothes, dance and dine together, hailing the winter. For them nature is God and they must worship its manifestations,” said former Finance Minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadai.