Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi celebrated the Diwali festival in his native village of Raikala, located in Keonjhar district, following traditional tribal rituals. The Chief Minister is on a two-day visit to his home district, having arrived on Thursday to celebrate both Diwali and Kali Puja with his family.
Sources indicate that Majhi received a warm welcome upon his arrival and participated in the Gobardhan Puja with his family. This ritual is characterized by communal feasting and is widely practiced among the tribal communities, particularly the Kudumi and Santhal, in Odisha, especially in the Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
Gobardhan Puja is dedicated to cows, referred to as ‘Gomata’ by Hindus and tribals, and is observed to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic animals. For the Kudumi community and Santhal tribes, cattle are regarded as family members, as cows and bullocks play a vital role in farming.
Additionally, the Chief Minister attended the Sohrai Puja, a traditional observance among tribal people during Diwali. Although Majhi visited his village on the first day of his trip, he returned to Keonjhar to stay overnight at the Circuit House. He made another visit to his village on Friday morning.
Odisha CM celebrates Diwali with tribal rituals in Raikala village
