An atmosphere of unbridled joy and excitement prevailed among the Bhunjias, a primitive tribe nestled in the Sunabeda sanctuary in Komna block of Nuapada district, as they came to know that a couple from their community have been invited to take part in the upcoming Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Bhujabal Majhi and his wife Kunjibai will participate in an annual tradition where every year members of various tribes are asked to come to the national capital to represent their community from the State.
Bhujabal and Kunjibai will leave for Delhi from Bhubaneswar by a flight on January 22. They will be accompanied by Chuktia Bhunjia Unnayan Sanstha staff Himanshu Mahapatra. This is the first time they would step out of their territory and experience an air-borne journey. In Delhi, they shall meet the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries and join the Republic Day parade. The couple will be clad in their customary attire and served their traditional food.
Their return, scheduled on February 2, will, however, be marked by a purification or “shuddhi” ceremony among their tribe members as the duo would have consumed food cooked by people from other communities which is against their tribal customs. A community feast will also be organised as part of their shuddhi.