CHAITA PARVA

Celebrated In : Tribal areas of Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh & Keonjhar, Orissa Celebrated by : Bhuiyans Tribe In the month of : Chaitra (March/April)

The most important festival of the tribal people of Koraput is Chaita Parva. The Bhuiyans of Mayurbhanj, Sudargarh and Keonjhar also observe it. Bhuiyans are an ancient Hindu tribe who have greatly influenced the culture of the other tribes. They are also found in Seraikela and Kharswan regions of the district of Singbhoom in Bihar, where the festival is observed with great enthusiasm.

Main Ritual For the whole month of 'Chaitra' the tribal people remain in festive mood. They wear new clothes, sacrifice animals and birds before their godlings, feast drink, sing and dance. During the daytime women, young and old, keep on singing and dancing.

The men go out hunting in the jungle. They bring whatever animal comes to their sight. They don't spare a jackal even and whatever kill they bring, the meat is distributed among all the villagers. The nights are spent in drinking, singing and dancing.