Bolangir: Hundreds of tribals on Tuesday observed the annual ‘Sulia Jatra’ at Khairguda village in Odisha’s Bolangir district sacrificing animals despite appeal and awareness by the local administration to refrain from the same.
The tribals marched in a procession to the ritual site at Khairguda and performed animal sacrifice at a place since early in the morning.
Notably, the devotees throng the Khairguda village of Kultapada panchayat under Tusura police limits of Balangir district on the second Tuesday of Pousa month every year with hens and goats for sacrifice to propitiate their goddess.
They believe that offering the blood of animals and birds to Sulia, their traditional deity, brings good harvest resulting in prosperity and happiness to their families and the community as a whole.
It is worth mentioning that Sulia Yatra is one of the major festivals of tribals in western Odisha. Devotees from and outside the State throng the district in large numbers to witness the festival.
However, due to restricts induced by the coronavirus pandemic, the congregation has been limited and visitors were asked to follow Covid guidelines. Meanwhile, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance has been made mandatory here.
