Bolangir, Dec 23: Hundreds of animals, including goats and buffaloes, were sacrificed as part of the traditional tribal customs during the Sulia Yatra in Odisha's Bolangir district on Tuesday. The ritual, aimed at appeasing the gods, drew large crowds of devotees who witnessed the sacrifices during the annual religious festival.

According to custom, the tribals bathe the animals and massage them with turmeric before performing the sacrificial rites. The animals are then slaughtered in full view of thousands of spectators who gather for the occasion. The Sulia Yatra has brought together not just locals from Bolangir but also those from neighboring districts, including Bargarh, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Boudh, Sonpur, Nuapada, Deogarh, and Jharsuguda.

The practice, which has been observed for generations, remains a contentious issue for some. However, the tribal community maintains that the ritual is a deep-rooted tradition and an essential part of their religious celebrations.

Despite the large-scale sacrifice, both the district and police administrations took a neutral stance, focusing on maintaining law and order during the event. Security was ramped up, with around four platoons of police forces and senior officers deployed at key locations to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. 

While the district administration appealed to the public to adhere to law and order, they refrained from intervening in the sacrificial practices, citing the religious and cultural significance of the Sulia Yatra for the local tribal community.

The event continues to be a major cultural and religious gathering in the region, attracting people not only from within Bolangir but also from neighboring districts and states.