Bhubaneswar: Sulia Yatra kicked off today with thousands of animals being sacrificed at Khairaguda and Kumuria villages under Deogaon block in Balangir district.
As per reports, thousands of people rushed to Sulia Pitha to offer sacrifices at Bada Khala of Khairaguda and Sana Khala of Kumuria. The traditional tribal ritual began at 4 am with the main priest initiating the ceremony after taking a bath in the Bada Khala.
After a vibrant procession and the sacred ‘Nishi Puja’ ritual, animal sacrifices were performed on Tuesday morning. A massive crowd of tribals, armed with traditional weapons, marched in the procession, which culminated at the festival site where the chief priest conducted rituals before carrying out the sacrifices.
The main priest first sacrificed a white cockerel and a spotted goat, followed by other offerings including pigeon, fowl, goat, sheep and buffalo calf.
Apart from Bada Khala and Sana Khala under Deogaon block, the festival is being held at six main sites. Devotees from Balangir, neighbouring districts, and states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand throng to the district to participate in the festival.
Security measures were put in place, with three platoons of force, traffic police, DSP, and Additional SP overseeing arrangements.
Tribals at Khairaguda and Kumuria villages under Deogaon block in Balangir observed the Sulia Yatra by sacrificing thousands of animals and birds at Khairaguda village on Tuesday.
For the tribals, the Sulia Yatra sacrifice is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the deity, a way to repay their debt after their wishes are fulfilled. The locals have immense faith in this festival, celebrating it with deep devotion, hoping their wishes come true.
