Sulia Jatra is celebrated in the village of
Khairguda, situated in
Balangir district,
Western Odisha
Western Odisha or the western part of Odisha, India, extending from the Kalahandi district in the south to the Sundargarh district in the north.
History
Historically It's a region of 'Greater Kalinga' & ruled by various dynastys.
*Mahameghava ...
. It is widely reported that thousands of animals and birds are sacrificed during this festival which takes place on the second Tuesday of the month of
Pausha.
Origin
Sulia Jatra is named after the god Sulia of tribal communities. The place is surrounded with nature. The
animal sacrifice
Animal sacrifice is the ritual killing and offering of one or more animals, usually as part of a religious ritual or to appease or maintain favour with a deity. Animal sacrifices were common throughout Europe and the Ancient Near East until the spr ...
is a long tradition of the
Kandha tribes. They believe that it will bring success and prosperity to the community by offering blood to the Sulia god. It was also reported that eight sub
castes of the Kandha worship Sulia as their presiding deity in this 500-year-old tradition.
Media coverage
The Sulia Jatra has received media coverage, including:
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References
External links
Tradition splashed tribal festival with animal bloodSulia Jatra
{{Western Orissa
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Balangir district
Festivals in Odisha