Nandapur: Known for its natural beauty, art, culture, and tradition, Koraput district holds a unique identity. The sacred land of the Sabara tribe and their various traditional festivals are a source of pride and heritage for the tribal communities. During the month of Chaitra, people celebrate traditional festivals such as Seed Worship (Bihan Puja), Hundi Puja, Ambabauli, Nuakhai, Tingiribent, Pajar, Badabent, and Shikar, all of which reflect their deep-rooted customs and reverence for nature.
These festivals fill the rural regions with vibrant enthusiasm and continue for 11 days. Celebrated in connection with land and forest, the festival’s schedule is prepared under the guidance of the village Disari (priest), along with Nayak, Barik, and Chalan (community leaders).
According to tribal culture researcher and Koraput College Professor Rajendra Padhi, the festival is observed by all villagers — men, women, youth, and children alike.
On the first day of the Chaiti festival, seeds such as paddy, mandia (finger millet), kandul (pigeon pea), alsi (flax), bean, and maize that are stored at home are collected. These seeds are then offered in worship to the village deity, Hundi.
The following day, everyone carries the collected seeds along with some offerings to Nisani Munda, the sacred village spot. There, the Disari, Nayak, Barik, and Chalan gather and offer collective prayers. Afterward, the seeds are tossed into the air over the people as a ritual. People catch and collect these scattered seeds using their baskets, cloths, and containers — a ritual known as Chihnani.
After this, the Nuakhai festival is celebrated. Early in the morning, a portion of the collected seeds is sown in the fields. All family members take part in observing the Ambabauli and Nuakhai rituals.
The next day is celebrated as Tingiribent, where children go to the forest to hunt for birds and small animals. On their way to and from the forest, they collect small gifts or offerings from passersby, known as panu.
During the festival, village men also honor hunters by offering them water (panapani). Three days later, the Badabent ritual is held in the village. All weapons and farming tools in the household are worshipped.
Following the Disari’s guidance, villagers worship the forest deity, select a specific direction, and begin a ritual hunt by beating drums (baida bajai). The men enter the forest and spend three days on the hunt. If they succeed, grand celebrations are held in the village, and the hunter is honored.
The expenses for the celebrations are borne by the women from the income earned by collecting Pajar (a traditional activity), as explained by Professor Padhi.
Leaders like Bhagaban Petia (President), Prabhat Gurumai (Vice President), Jayaram Bhoi, Dhanurjay Muduli, Bhagaban Muduli, and Akash Khol from the Nandapur Block Adivasi Association remarked that this festival is not only a ritual but also a reflection of their beliefs, traditions, and devotion toward the village.