The people of Deogarh district have been celebrating Raja, but in a different way since years. This year also the residents four Gram Panchayats (GPs) including Kansar, Kendeijuri, Dudhianali and Dholpara under Tileibani block celebrated Raja with much fanfare, which included spreading a message for forest and wildlife conservation.
Normally, on the day of Raja, the people of Deogarh go to forest and collect honey. At the same time, they also kill wild animals for meat and share it among the villagers. liquor also happens to be another important item of the menu.But education and awareness have changed this practice. “Since last few years, we have expressed concern for wild animals and determined to save them from poaching as without them the ecological balance is sure to get disturbed,” said village head Bipin Bihari Gadtia.
The residents of the four Gram Panchayats joined hands to celebrate Raja and spread the message of forest and wildlife preservation. They also persuaded the people who are mostly tribal not to take liquor, which causes crimes and poverty, Gadtia said further.“We here celebrate Raja not just for the sake of mere enjoyment, but to give these vital messages to the people who are dependent on forest all through the year. Forest and wildlife preservation and total prohibition of liquor should be the priority for the people’s development of this region. The locals must know that any attack on the forest damages the very economic backbone of the people here. Through Raja celebration, we educate them,” said Bijay Kumar Nayak of Jagasingha Yubak Sangha.
Marriage of dolls (Kandhei Bahaghara) is also another attraction of Raja celebration in Deogarh. Playing on the swing, grand feasts and distribution of cakes make the festival all the more gorgeous, said Sagarika Patra of Jayadurga Mahila Sangha that took a leading role for Raja celebration in Deogarh.