Koili Puja (cuckoo marriage), a forgotten tradition of Odisha, was observed here recently under the initiative of the Fakir Mohan Sanskrutik Parishad (FMSP), a social and cultural organisation, in association with local voluntary body FAMASS.
The event was held here at the Shanti Kanan, the birthplace of legendary writer Fakir Mohan Senapati along with marriage between a pair of lacquer dolls. A unique type of worshipping was performed to symbolic cuckoos with the support of lovers of culture and environment.
District Collector Sanatan Mallick and Deputy Director of STR (Simlipal Tiger Reserve) Ajit Satpathy were the guests of the special evening.
The speakers stressed on conservation of nature, environment, culture and tradition and admired the efforts of the organisers who have been working in this front for last five years.
“As per the saying in good old days, unwed Odia girls used to worship cuckoos for a week between spring and summer for getting a life partner of their choice. After worshipping, they used to the birds in forest. The girls’ brothers helped then perform the rituals. This traditional Koili Puja has disappeared today.
Here, a symbolic cuckoo made of terracotta was worshipped. “At the end of a weeklong programme, we hold both the Koili Puja and lacquer dolls’ marriage. Both are performed in a very simple manner. The message is to protect environment, nature and tradition,” said Dr Santanu Das, a physician actively involved in the event.
Besides, this effort is made to spread a message to oppose child marriage and to hold marriages in a simpler manner as Raja Ram Mohan Roy was preaching, Dr Das said.
Ajit Satpathy said, “Human beings are the best creation of God. Their duty is to protect all other creations in nature. But their careless, selfish and brutal approaches have caused extinction of several organic species from the earth. With help of social organisations, they can be protected and conserved.”
Tapas Sahu, an organiser, said, “For last five years, the weeklong programme includes training to small children in terracotta and lacquer works too.”