Deogaon: The annual Sulia Yatra was solemnised in adherence with Covid protocols in Bolangir district, but two shrines were stained with blood of scores of goats, sheep and fowls which were sacrificed according to the tradition Tuesday.
According to reports, like every year, hundreds of birds and animals were sacrificed amid tight security arrangements at Bada Khala in Khairguda and Sana Khala in Kumuria village under Deogaon block.
Sulia Yatra is based on the culture and tradition of Kondh tribals. At midnight of Monday, ‘nisi puja’ was solemnised.
Tuesday morning, priest Jhankar Barua and Kondh tribals armed with their traditional weapons took out a ‘he-goat’ called Pata Boda in a procession amid beating of drums and other musical instruments to the shrine.
Khairguda is the main hub of the celebration where at the altar of Sulia Budha, the presiding deity is situated. The rituals started in the morning hours. Traditional weapons were also worshipped on the occasion. As per tradition, Pata Boda was sacrificed at the altar.
Then, hundreds of animals and fowls donated by devotees from the district and outside were sacrificed. The shrine was splattered with sacrificial blood. Similar scene was witnessed at Sana Khala shrine.
However, this year, due to Covid restrictions, the administration did not allow shops and marketing platforms around the shrines. Priests and members of Sulia Puja Committee had under gone Covid tests to ensure their participation in the Jatra.
Similarly, Sulia yatra was organised at Chandrapur shrine in Jarasingh panchayat amid Covid guidelines. Police forces were deployed at these shrines to keep the law and order.
PNN