Famous Sulia Jatra Of Balangir Begins From Today With Ritual Of Animal Sacrifice

Balangir: One of the famous festivals of the tribals of western Odisha, the Sulia Jatra, will begin from today in Balangir district of Odisha where the gory practice of animal sacrifice rituals performed every year.

Reportedly, all the preparations for the festival have been made at Khairagura and Kumuria villages of the district amidst strict Covid restrictions.

The participants have been directed to maintain social distancing and use masks at all times.

While four platoons of police force have been deployed at the festival ground, all those who will take part in the festival like priests and servitors were asked to undergo RT-PCR tests.

Sulia Jatra is a festival where the tribals move marching out on a procession to the ritual site at the village and begin the ritual of animal sacrifice.

They believe, offering of blood of animals and birds to their deity Sulia brings good harvest and prosperity.

It is to be noted that earlier there had been a struggle between the district administration and Zilla Adivasi Sangha following Orissa High Court’s orders to abolish such practice and mass killing of animals.

However, after the Supreme Court of India gave its verdict to respect tribal rituals and traditions, the district administration has kept itself away from opposing the animal offering. It only intensifies security during the festival to avoid any unforeseen situation.