Bolangir, Jan 16: The annual ‘Sulia Jatra’, well-known for its mass sacrifice of animals began in Khairguda and Kumuria villages under the Deogaon block of the district amid tight security arrangements.
The rituals began after ‘Nisi Puja’ was conducted by the tribal residents.
As per rituals, the tribals, holding weapons, took out a rally. Later, they worshiped gods and goddesses with ancient rituals, and thousands of birds and animals including goats, sheep, buffaloes, ducks, pigeons, and roosters were sacrificed at Bada Khala in Khairguda and Sana Khala in Kumuria village amid tight security arrangements.
People believe that offering the blood of animals and birds to Sulia, their traditional deity, brings a good harvest resulting in prosperity and happiness to their families and the community as a whole.
Despite the Odisha High Court’s orders and the district administration’s attempt to prevent animal sacrifice, hundreds of animals and birds are slaughtered every year to mark the festival.
