Nabarangpur,Oct 27 [UDN}: : A large number of people gathered at Borigam village in Dabugam block of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district on Sunday to celebrate the traditional Desia Dussehra festival, which is an important part of the region’s tribal cultural heritage. The celebrations coincided with the weekly market held every Sunday at the headquarters of Borigam Gram Panchayat, attracting people from surrounding villages.
The festival was celebrated in honour of Maa Durgatinashini Durga, the presiding deity worshipped during the occasion. As part of the traditional rituals, representatives carrying sacred symbols of various village deities, including Lathi, Kurchi, Shira and Disari, arrived in large numbers from neighbouring villages. They participated in a ceremonial procession through the local marketplace before placing the sacred symbols at their designated locations, where special prayers and religious rituals were performed.
The entire Durga Puja celebration was organised under the direct supervision of Borigam Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Sukru Bhatra. The organising committee was led by Durga Puja Committee President Biswanath Kalar, along with Mansingh Nayak. Committee secretaries Dilip Kumbhar and Jagadish Bhatra, Treasurer Nabin Sahu, and other members, including Pitam Panka, Gopal, Khagu, Jagabandhu and Lachhman, extended their cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of the religious ceremonies.
Since Desia Dussehra is deeply rooted in the indigenous traditions and customs of the tribal communities, the festival drew a large gathering from Borigam and nearby areas. People enthusiastically participated in the celebrations, witnessed the traditional rituals and enjoyed the vibrant cultural atmosphere surrounding the weekly market.
As part of the evening entertainment programme, the Durga Puja Committee arranged a traditional Desia theatre performance titled “Suchitra Harana.” The play will be staged by a theatre group from Siunaguda village under Dhamanaguda Gram Panchayat and directed by Kailash Guru. The cultural performance is expected to provide entertainment to the gathering while preserving and promoting the region’s traditional theatrical heritage.
Former Member of Parliament Parshuram Majhi attended the programme as the chief guest. Lingaraj Bhatra, Vice-Chairman of the District Special Development Council, Jagadish Bhatra, President of the Borigam Mandal, and several BJP workers were also present at the event.
According to the organising committee, the religious ceremonies have been proceeding peacefully and smoothly. The immersion procession of Maa Durga is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 26.
To ensure that the immersion ceremony is conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, the Borigam Durga Puja Committee has submitted a written request to the local police station officer-in-charge, Laxmi Paraja, seeking the necessary arrangements. The committee expressed confidence that the police would deploy adequate personnel to maintain law and order and ensure the peaceful completion of the immersion procession.
The Desia Dussehra celebrations at Borigam once again highlighted the rich tribal traditions, religious faith and cultural unity of the communities of Nabarangpur district, with a large public turnout adding to the festive spirit.
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