Jeypore: In a shocking display of superstition prevailing even in the age of science, two young men from a tribal community in Koraput district were declared dead by villagers after they witnessed two crows mating, a sight considered inauspicious by local tradition.
The incident took place at Patraguda village under Randapali panchayat, about 10km from Jeypore town. According to sources, the duo was pronounced ‘dead’ by the villagers based on the age-old tribal belief that witnessing the union of two crows brings misfortune and leads to death.
The matter came to light after a video of the incident went viral on social media platforms Thursday.
Following the declaration, villagers pronounced the two youths dead and conducted symbolic last rites using effigies in place of actual bodies.
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A video of the mock funeral has gone viral, revealing how such superstitions are still deeply rooted among certain tribal communities.
Villagers returned from the cremation ground, and mourning as well as post-death rituals were observed along with a feast as per local traditions.
It was only after completion of all the rituals that the two “dead” youths were finally brought back home from their hideout, indicating the bizarre extent of superstitious practices that override rationality.
Villagers explained that a purification ceremony was also held to nullify the perceived inauspicious effect of the incident.
The villagers believe that anyone who witnesses the crows mating will eventually die.
PNN
