Tribal culture is distinct perhaps because of its many interesting traditions, precedents, rituals and culture. Tribal people are said to have deep faith on these traditions. The Kudumi sect of the tribal people in Mayurbhanj observed Makara Parba few days back. One of the unique celebrations of Makara Parba is the Damodar Mela. This is all about mass ‘Asthi Bisarjan’ (immersion of the mortal remains of the dead family members) ceremony of the tribal people.
Tribal Santal people celebrate the Damodar Mela in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha where not only Santali people from the State but from West Bengal and Jharkhand also participate. In the tribal language the mela is called ‘Jandbah Bahel’. Lakhs of people take part in the mela.
Baruni ghat in Baripada of Mayurbhanj district is the confluence of three rivers — Budhabalanga, Jarali and Sarali.
This is the last funeral ritual of their ancestors. It is also called ‘Jili Dahar’ which means long journey. They observe this festival so that when one of their deceased ancestors hypothetically makes the journey from the Mrutyu loka to Janma Loka they should not feel lonely.
After death of any family member tribal people hoard it to be floated in the Ganges later. They keep it buried underneath earth. However, if they cannot visit Ganges due to any reason, they come to the Baruni Ghat during Damodar Mela for Asthi Bisarjan. The tribals believe that the souls of dead persons rest in peace after their ashes are immersed in the holy confluence. After performing the ritual, they get their head tonsured.
The Suna muhin ghat is the confluence of the three rivers which is also called Baruni ghat. One day after the Makara Sankranti, this festival is celebrated for three days. The festival is being observed since long.
Although the government makes arrangement of security and some other factors, Damodar festival is yet to get government recognition. Only it gets celebrated under the guidance of the Organising Committee.
