Jeypore, 6th Nov 2025: The tribal community celebrated their grand festival, Diali Parva (Diwali Festival), with great enthusiasm. The entire village was filled with joy and rhythm through traditional dances and songs. Adivasi (tribal) culture is ancient, and their lifestyle — including their clothing, food habits, and customs — remains distinct from that of modern society.
They lead simple and innocent lives, deeply rooted in tradition. The tribals celebrate thirteen festivals in twelve months, among which Diali Parva is one of the most important. On this day, tribal women clean and decorate their homes early in the morning, drawing muruj (traditional rangoli designs) in front of their houses. Various cakes (pithas) and local delicacies are prepared, and no matter how far people may be living, they return to their village to celebrate this festival together.
With the preparation of traditional food in every household, the entire village rejoices with dance and celebration. The villagers offer cocks, goats, rice, and country eggs to the village deity as part of the rituals. They worship the village goddess and perform traditional Adivasi songs and dances. Devotees fulfill their personal vows (manasik) by offering donations and sacrifices to the goddess.
The Diali Parva is usually celebrated right after the general Diwali festival. The main purpose of the celebration is to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to the village — ensuring that there is no disease, misfortune, or famine. It is believed that if this ritual is not performed, the village could face disasters, untimely deaths, and outbreaks of unknown diseases.
This tradition has been observed since ancient times. After the worship of the village deity, those who have taken vows walk barefoot over swords and fire as an act of devotion. People take vows for various reasons — the birth of a child, success in employment, marriage, or recovery from illness. After the priest (pujari) or dishari (village spiritual guide) performs the rituals, animals are sacrificed before the goddess.
Once the sacrifices are over, the villagers gather together, cook the meat, and share a communal meal. At night, folk dramas and traditional performances take place in the village. Among the many tribal festivals, Diali Parva holds a special place. The villagers believe that whatever vow one makes on this day will surely be fulfilled.
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