Malkangiri, Feb, 9:: A tradition that had remained discontinued for 200 years was revived as the Crown Prince of Jeypore, Bishweshwar Chandra Chud Deo, participated in the Patkhanda Jatra of the Bonda tribe residing in Malkangiri district. The Jatra committee organized a grand ceremony to welcome the royal family member.
Patkhanda Jatra is regarded as the प्रमुख festival of the Bonda tribe. The festival began nearly 500 years ago. In earlier times, the then King of Jeypore used to attend the Jatra and perform rituals as per tradition. However, the king’s visit had stopped about 200 years ago.
This year, following the old custom, the Jatra committee invited the Jeypore royal family. Honoring the invitation, the Crown Prince reached Khairput. After being formally welcomed by the committee, he first offered prayers to Maa Damaldei Thakurani. Later, when he proceeded to Bondaghati, members of the Bonda tribe welcomed him with traditional songs and dances.
Bondaghati was once under the rule of the Jeypore king. During that time, the king had provided bows and arrows to the tribal people for their protection. Recalling this history, the tribe presented the Crown Prince with a bow and arrows as a traditional offering during the Jatra.
The Patkhanda Jatra is organized every year in Bondaghati, with participation from people of 12 villages in the घाटी. As part of the ritual for a good harvest, a sword (khanda) is worshipped. There is no idol or permanent temple for the worship. The Bonda tribe has preserved a sword inside the hollow of a tree for generations. Every year, the sword is taken out from the tree hollow, worshipped, and then placed back in the same spot.
During the festival, goats and chickens are sacrificed, and seeds such as paddy, ragi (mandia), and suan brought from their homes are offered near the Patkhanda for blessings of a good harvest. The Jatra also features traditional songs, dances, and the Kalasi dance.
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