Nabarangpur, Nov 11 (UDN): In a unique initiative aimed at preserving the ancient traditions, religious practices and cultural heritage of tribal communities, a special Nuakhai Meet-and-Greet programme for traditional tribal priests and religious functionaries was organised at the premises of Baba Dhableswar Shiva Temple in Birishola village under Papadahandi block of Nabarangpur district.
The gathering brought together traditional tribal priests, including Shira, Dishari, Guniya and Panjiar, who play an important role in preserving and practising the age-old religious customs, indigenous beliefs and traditional worship systems of tribal communities. Hundreds of tribal priests and religious functionaries, along with representatives of Dalit and backward communities from Papadahandi and Kosagumuda blocks, participated in the programme.
The event was organised with the objective of strengthening unity among traditional religious functionaries, providing them with a common platform to discuss their concerns and highlighting the need to protect indigenous religious traditions and places of worship.
Distinguished Guests Attend the Programme
The programme was attended by Basanti Majhi, Chairperson of the District Tribal and Special Development Committee, as the Chief Guest.
Other distinguished guests included Shyamlal Kalar, representative of Tribal Affairs Minister Nityananda Gond; Lingaraj Bhatra, Vice-Chairperson of the Special Development Committee; and Dr Kailash Chandra Behera, researcher of Podagada culture and history. Himanshu Sekhar Basantia of Raighar attended the gathering as the Chief Speaker.
The programme was coordinated with the active involvement of tribal religious functionaries and community representatives. Among those present were Somanath Bhatra, President of the Papadahandi Block Sevayat Guniya-Dishari Association; Keshab Bhatra, Secretary; Chandra Jani, Treasurer; Ratan Singh Goud, Chief Adviser; and Sonu Shira, President of the Kosagumuda Block Sevayat Association. Hundreds of traditional tribal priests, religious leaders and community members also participated.
Priests Raise Demands for Pension and Development of Worship Places
During the interaction with the distinguished guests, the tribal priests and traditional religious functionaries raised several important demands concerning their welfare and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
They particularly demanded the introduction of pension and other welfare benefits for traditional tribal priests, along with the development, renovation and restoration of indigenous tribal places of worship.
They urged the representatives present at the programme to place their demands before the State-level Chairperson of the Tribal Development Council and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi so that appropriate government measures could be taken to address their longstanding concerns.
The participants emphasised that traditional priests have been playing a significant role in maintaining the religious identity, customs, festivals and spiritual traditions of tribal communities for generations. Therefore, institutional recognition, financial support and social security for these traditional functionaries are essential.
Chief Speaker Highlights Preservation of Indigenous Religious Traditions
Addressing the gathering, Chief Speaker Himanshu Sekhar Basantia elaborated on the importance of protecting the traditional worship practices, indigenous deities and cultural heritage associated with the soil and ancestral beliefs of tribal communities.
He stressed the need to preserve the age-old traditions of worshipping local deities and maintaining the ancient Sanatani religious practices passed down through generations.
He also highlighted that collective efforts and organised platforms such as the Nuakhai Meet-and-Greet would play an important role in bringing traditional priests together and ensuring that their customs, beliefs and cultural practices continue to receive recognition and respect.
Basanti Majhi Appreciates the Initiative
Chief Guest Basanti Majhi appreciated the initiative and described the organisation of such a gathering as a welcome step towards strengthening the traditional religious and cultural institutions of tribal communities.
She emphasised the importance of protecting indigenous customs and ensuring that traditional priests receive due recognition for their contribution to society.
She also acknowledged the need for collective efforts to safeguard tribal cultural heritage and strengthen the institutions associated with traditional worship practices.
Lingaraj Bhatra Assures Government Support for Development
Special Development Committee Vice-Chairperson Lingaraj Bhatra expressed support for the demands raised by the tribal priests.
He assured the gathering that appropriate steps would be taken through the Tribal Development Council to promote the development of traditional tribal worship places and improve facilities at religious and cultural sites.
He also highlighted the importance of developing surrounding areas as eco-tourism destinations wherever feasible, thereby helping preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local communities.
₹3 Lakh Assistance Announced for a Traditional Religious Meeting Place
During the programme, Shyamlal Kalar, representative of Tribal Affairs Minister Nityananda Gond, informed the gathering that Shira priest of B.M. Semala village under Kosagumuda block had provided financial assistance of ₹3 lakh towards the development of a meeting place for traditional religious functionaries.
The contribution was highlighted as an important step towards protecting ancient traditions and creating a common platform where tribal priests could assemble, discuss community matters and organise cultural and religious activities.
Kalar further stated that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Tribal Affairs Minister Nityananda Gond were making efforts to address the demand for pension benefits for traditional tribal priests.
He also mentioned that the Tribal Development Council had previously taken decisions concerning the matter.
Assuring the participants of further action, he promised to arrange a meeting between representatives of the tribal priests and the Chief Minister at his official residence at the earliest, so that their demands could be directly presented before him.
Cultural Researcher Welcomes the Proposals
Dr Kailash Chandra Behera, a researcher of Podagada culture, welcomed the proposals raised during the gathering and supported the efforts to translate the demands into practical action.
He emphasised that protecting traditional religious practices, indigenous worship systems and historical cultural institutions is essential for safeguarding the heritage of tribal communities.
Traditional Priests Felicitated
Towards the conclusion of the programme, Chief Guest Basanti Majhi, Lingaraj Bhatra and Shyamlal Kalar jointly felicitated the participating traditional priests and religious functionaries.
The priests were presented with ceremonial shawls, certificates of appreciation and identity cards in recognition of their traditional responsibilities and contributions to preserving tribal religious and cultural practices.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the distribution and serving of prasad at the sacred premises of Baba Dhableswar Temple.
The Nuakhai Meet-and-Greet emerged as an important platform for bringing together traditional tribal priests from Papadahandi and Kosagumuda blocks, highlighting their welfare demands and renewing collective efforts to preserve the region’s ancient religious customs, indigenous traditions and cultural identity.
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