Ranchi
Sohrai is basically a festival of livestock, where cows and bulls are worshipped by the villagers. Divine bovines like Ayani, Bayani, Sugi, Sawali, Kari and Kapil are worshipped in all their forms in this mortal mankind.
Legend has it that when humans came in this mortal world, the need for milk was felt, especially for the survival of children. At that time the bovines had their abode in heaven. Hearing the cries of humans in the mortal world, Marangburu, an incarceration of Lord Shiva, went to heaven and urged Ayani, Bayani, Sugi, Sawali, Kari, Kapil and the likes to descend on the land of mortals.
The tribals hold that though Marangburu was mightier than even Lord Shiva, these bovines turned down his request. They agreed to come on earth only after Marangburu reassured that humans will continue worshipping them for ages.
Sohrai is also a harvest festival. The Santhal, Oraon and Munda tribes and even some Sadans (non-tribals) pray for the enrichment of their cattle, which are a crucial part of the household and livelihood.
Sohrai coincides with Kali Puja, Govardhan Puja, Dawat or Chitragupta Puja and falls after the Amavasya (no moon) night in the month of Kartik. This year, the Sohrai festivities will start from November 1.
According to Virendra Kumar Mahto, who teaches Nagpuri at Ranchi University, Sohrai festivities begin with Garh Puja. Several piles of grounded rice are placed in an open area or field. An egg too is placed on the first pile. Thereafter, cows and bulls are directed towards these piles. The one who smells or breaks the egg is considered the lucky one and worshipped.
The villagers then dance to the tune of Mandars and display martial arts, mainly stick works even as Sohrai songs are sung in every house.
On the second day, cowsheds — called Gohar in Nagpuri; Goinshali in Kudukh/ Oraon languages — virtually turn into temples, lit with earthen lamps. Oil is applied on the horns of cows and bulls. These are also worshipped at the Majhithan or the place of worship in the village, on the third day. It is also known as Khuntadev Puja.
Villagers apply vermillion on their foreheads and garland them, as one would a deity. Cattle get special attention and are fed boiled grain. Tribals even stop hitting erring cows and buffaloes with sticks, about a month ahead of Sohrai!
On the fourth day, the villagers catch fishes and crabs. And, they go for hunting in nearby forests. The preys or catches are offered as Prasad.
