The whole of Mayurbhanj, at the moment, is in a festive mood, to be exact, in a Makar mood. Though Makar passed off smoothly and silently elsewhere in Odisha on Saturday, the same is not true of this tribal-dominated bordering district.
Makar, by far, is the most popular festival of Mayurbhanj. This mass-festival is an indispensable part of the cultural lives of the entire populace of the district, irrespective of caste or creed.
According to Mayurbhanjian traditions, the ceremonies like ‘chaula dhua’ and ‘baundi’ precede the advent of Makar Sankranti. Preparations for Makar celebrations are complete by the Makar Sankranti day, with the women folk cleaning their houses and preparing several types of tasteful cakes and almost all going for new clothes and costumes. Everyone adopts a right and bright Makar mindset. Then, right from the day of Makar, yet another interesting phase begins, i.e. a still brighter Makar mood and mindset grips the whole of Mayurbhanj.
It is only that fascinating phase and period which Mayurbhanj people are now passing through. No one does anything worthwhile at the moment, it being their occasion for merriment and celebration, fun and frolic, leisure and luxury. This is the time to tour and travel, have feasts and picnics. Some go to their friends’ and relatives’ houses, while some others choose to enjoy sports festivals (Esport Jatra) and “cock-fights” (Kukuda ladhei), being organized at different places of this district. However, due to restrictions imposed on cock-fights by the administration on grounds of cruelty to animals, these scenes are fast becoming rare to be seen.
Many in the district also prefer to visit week-long Makar Melas being held at religious places like Bhimkund, Khiching, Kesharikund, Ramteerth, Devkund, Badjod and Ranibandh. These Mela sites witness huge congregations of people, all these seven days.
Another important aspect of the “Makar Parav” is “Tusu”. According to a popular belief, a chaste, strong-willed, unmarried girl named “Tusu Devi” ended her life by jumping into a river, in order to save her chastity and dignity. So Tusu is being adored and worshipped even now , particularly by the people of Mohanta-Kurmi community of the district.
By and large, Mayurbhanj now has become slow and sleepy, with otherwise-crowded streets, bazaars and roads wearing a deserted look and people staying away from their usual work and workplaces. And this will remain so for, at least, seven to eight days from now.