Post News Network
Baripada, Jan 16: Thousands of Santhal tribals thronged the Triveni ghat of river Damodar Friday as Damodar Mela, one of their major festivals, kicked off. True to their customs and traditions, tribals made offerings in the river in honour of their ancestors, seeking peaceful resting of the departed souls.
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The ghat wore a festive look as tribals, attired traditionally and holding their weapons, flocked in large numbers. They carried their offerings in baskets and sang paeans to their forefathers in union. They also solemnised a number of rituals in honour of their respective deities of lineage. As mandated by customs, the tribals planted branches of sal trees and immersed the ashes of their deceased kin in the river, followed by a holy dip. As for the significance of the festival, Trilochan Mandi of Bhanj Disam Pragana, said, “The tradition has been continuing from time immemorial.”
“Singing songs in praise of our ancestors is an integral part of the fair. After the offerings, the tribals usually get their heads tonsured and take a holy dip in the river,” he added. Tribals also offer gifts like umbrellas, slippers, headgears, clothes, fowls, utensils, boxes and clocks to other people. Giving and receiving gifts is considered a hallowed act, Mandi said.
The fair will continue for the next two days and is expected to draw more people to the ghat. However, there was unhappiness among the tribals over lack of drinking water and toilet facilities at the ghat.
