Hundreds of Santhal tribals of Sukinda block observed Podabangasahai Puja on Wednesday to welcome winter by organising dance programmes.
Both males and females danced together hand in hand to the tune of Changu, a tribal drum, in the forested villages in the vicinity. Many tribals sacrificed cocks and forced cattle to trample eggs of hens as a ritual with a belief to live better in the coming winter season. Many tribals also poured Handia, a local tribal brew, over the heads of their deities.
Tribals celebrate all the seasons by organising festivals. “The winter festival is an important festival for them as they pray before the deity for their good health in the season. Tribals never use any warm clothes in winter and in order to keep them warm, they make bonfire and sit around it and drink Handia.
In the festival, many tribals drank Handia, said Damu Hansada of Kaliapani village.“It was a beautiful day in the tribal villages to welcome winter season. However, it was not confined Sukinda area alone as members from the tribe across the district celebrated the festival with much gaiety,” said social worker Dr Manzoor Alli, adding that Santhals play an important role in the tribal culture and history of Odisha.