Tentulikhunti,25th Oct 2025: In Udaypur village of Tentulikhunti block, Nabarangpur district, the unique festival of Deepavali was celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm by the Dom community families of the village. This festival is popularly known as Dom Diali.
The celebration begins on the full moon day (Purnima) and concludes on the Amavasya (new moon day) of Deepavali. Nine days before Diwali, all the villagers gather to worship the deities and then ceremonially sow various types of seeds — such as maize, black gram, green gram, horse gram, and beans — either in small baskets (changudi) or in sand after offering prayers.
Every day, both men and women gather together to perform rituals. They believe that celebrating this festival brings happiness and prosperity to the village and ensures a good harvest.
On the final day of the festival, everyone comes together, holding gaja branches (a type of plant), and exchange Deepavali greetings. After washing new rice (arua chaula) and wearing new clothes, they greet and wish each other well.
Members of the Dom community — including Ghasiram Sagaria, Kabiraj Takri, Bhima Harijan, Sadashiv Harijan, Padma, Aluka Takri, Kavita Harijan, and Shuamani Harijan — along with others, participated wholeheartedly in organizing and celebrating this sacred day with great devotion and unity.
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