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| SUME -
GELIRAK |
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| Region : Koraput, Orissa. |
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| Celebrated by
: Bonda Tribe of Koraput |
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| The 'Bondas' of
Koraput are an interesting primitive tribe. They live on hilltops and lead a secluded
life. Their interaction with other tribes is very rare. Among many festivals of the year,
the most important festival for them is known as "Sume-Gelirak". |
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Main
Ritual
All the year young men and women look forward to the festival as it gives them ample
freedom in all respects. The festival starts on a Sunday and continue for ten days. During
the first few days they worship their traditional Godlings and demons as well. The 'Sisa'
or the tribal priest does the rituals of sacrificing animals and birds and propitiating
the deities with liquor. Then amusement through dancing and singing begins with full
vigour. Young men and women make dancing expeditions to neighbouring villages and during
the dance choose their life partners. |
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| But the most
serious and dramatic part of the festival is castigation. It begins first with little
boys. Some one takes up the drum and beats it loudly and others join with him. The boys
stand in pairs, front to front, and strike each other as hard as they can with pliant
branches of a tree stripped off its foliage. When they had enough of it, they salute each
other and embrace, and another pair takes their place. |
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| When all the boys
of the village complete this piquant exercise, the Sisa gives them cakes to stop all
quarrels and delivers a little lecture of friendship and good behaviour. The following
evening this castigation is repeated with young men and even the old. They bow each other
with folded hands and start dancing to the frantic beats of the drums and then hitting
hard with the branches. Blood flows from their wounds and watching the situation the Sisa
stops them. Then they touch each others feet and embrace hugging and lifting the other in
the air. |
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