In yet another instance of superstition prevailing in this tribal district, villagers were found worshipping a girl as a deity after she developed unusual behaviour in the recent days.
The incidence was reported in Dhanasuli village in Tumbarla panchayat under Papadahandi block in the district. The villagers started worshipping the girl, who is sitting on fast in the past five days in a dense forest after she reportedly had darshan of Goddess Parbati.
According to reports, five days ago, Dalimba (20), daughter of Jagat Mali of Dhanasuli, had gone to forest near the village to collect mushroom. After returning from the forest, her parents found her sitting quiet. When they asked her the reason, she said she had darshan of Goddess Parbati in the forest. After she expressed her willingness to go to the deity, her family members were panicked. Seeking help of a sorcerer at Jhitukuguda village, they told him everything.
After returning from the neighbouring village, the parents found Dalimba was not in the house. They searched her in the forest, where they found their daughter was sitting near a termite mound and praying God.
They informed about it to the villagers, who rushed the forest and began worshipping the girl. Even, some villagers were found guarding her near the termite ground setting up a temporary camp.