- Tribal band and dance add to the attraction
- Tribals are given priority in the Rath Yatra celebrations at Koraput
KORAPUT: More than 50,000 people, including tribals, gathered to celebrate this year's car festival at Sabara Srikhetra (Koraput) in South Orissa on July 13. Better known as Sabara Srikhetra, among the followers of Jagannath culture, Koraput has been attracting the tribals for its unique distinction in giving priority to tribals in its rituals and practices.
Beginning with the offering of service to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra during Anasara, a period when the Lords are believed to be suffering from fever after a bath on Snaana Purnima, tribals have been in the forefront in taking responsibilities and enjoying the opportunities during the nine-day festival.
It is again the tribal band and dances that lent special attraction to the celebration. Tribal men and women had reached the temple from early morning to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath. They were the most active participants in preparing the costumes including the tahia and other aids to add more beauty to the idols.
After the Lords reached the divine chariot, offerings from tribals were placed first. More than 50 tribal village heads were honoured by the district Collector and SP by tying turbans over their heads. Tribal village head Dasi Nayak from Janiguda near Koraput performed the divine sweeping on the chariot, a service that is offered by the king at Puri.
Source: The Hindu
No comments:
Post a Comment