Mythological 'demons' Asurs may have been mourning the killing of demon king Mahishasur by the Goddess Durga, their kids are fond of the festivity the 10-day long season brings in. The younger generation of the primitive tribe is in some way or the other breaking away from the age-old practice that led to sorrow for their parents, said to be descendants of Mahishasur.
The Asurs are known as non-worshiper of any Hindu god and are of the belief that one of their forefathers Mahishasur was killed “unethically” when all forces joined hands just to eliminate the powerful demon king. The belief keeps themselves in deep mourning during the period of Navratra.
“Asur people used to lock themselves inside their homes from sunrise to sunset during Navratra but now our new generations do not believe in this mythology. They are attracted towards the modern life style," said Rajesh Asur counting behind the generational makeover taking place.
The change is so that even the 'hardliners' have to succumb under pressure of the children. "like other children, our kids force us to visit the pandals and fairs during Durga Puja and we are compelled to fulfill their wises. Now time has changed with impact of education, telecommunication and modern lifestyle we are forced to come out form our myths", added Rajesh. However, the old er generation fears loss of their identity amid the wind of change blowing fast. "We are worried as our children mostly residing in the urban areas refuse to follow their beliefs. They are losing our culture and tradition," said Milan Asur, a Jharkhand Government employee posted at Gumla.
Though, the tribesmen do not have any documentary evidences to back their belief and pass it verbally from one generation to other. "We used to block or close the windows and other opening of our homes with woods to keep away the sun light during Navratra. Everything which is essentials is done only after the sunset during this period", said Chamru Asur, a resident of Sakhuapani at Netarhat plateau.
According to the mythology Mahishasur was the most powerful man at Swarga and Prithvi. "The God knew that human would stop worshiping them, if the Mahishasur survived for long. So they joined hands and killed him dishonestly", said Summit Asur a resident of Asur line in Majherdabri tea estate in Alipurduar at WB.
"We only worship our 'ancestors' or 'nature' by offering them rice beer (hadia) and chicken on a holy day. Singbonga is our chief deity while the others are Dharati Mata, Duari, Patdaraha and Turi Husid," said Tupnu Asur. The tribal community celebrates Sarhul, Karma, Dhanbuni, Kadelta, Rajj karma, Dasahara Karam, Khalihani Puja, GoraiyaPuja including others and sacrifices goat, chicks, duck and eggs at the time of worship to please our deities.
Asurs who belongs to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), reside in Netarhat plateau, Gumla, latehar, lohardaga and Palamu district in Jharkhand and some parts of North Bengal.