Bhubaneswar
The tribal district of Malkangiri in Odisha resonates with sounds of music and dance from time to time throughout the year as the Bondas, Parajas, Gadabas, Kondhs and Koyas celebrate their festivals — each in their own unique ways, customs and traditions. In fact, each of the tribes have their own distinct music and musical instruments.
When ‘Magha’ (January-February) sets in, the anthills at the far end of the village stirs the religiosity of Parajas and Gadabas of the district. They celebrate Nandi Puja with much zeal and for three days the village is deep into festivities. The dance forms of the two tribes are different and simpler from the others.
Interestingly, most of the rituals take place at anthills found scattered across the fields or far end of the village and regarded as the deity for Nandi Puja. Saplings are planted at the anthill and if they take root properly, it is considered a good omen for that year’s harvest
The priests, called ‘Dishari’ in the local dialect, consecrate the area before making a gamut of offerings including coconuts, bananas and flowers before the anthill.
“Only eggs of ‘desi’ (indigenous) hens, not poultry bred, are a major ‘prasad’ offered to the deity, along with the sacrifice of a hen,” says Ghenu Muduli, vice-president of Zilla Sanskruti Parishad, Malkangiri.
During Nandi Puja, seeds and saplings are planted at the spot. “If these germinate and grow, it is believed that the year’s harvest would be very good,” says Muduli.
Festivities end with much fanfare, feasting and a typical drink, Landa Phelam, made from fermented rice and millet water.
