Jantal Puja also known as Jantal Bonga, is a harvesting festival of the Bhumijs, Bhuiyas, Khonds and Santals.[1][2] It is a community level festival celebrated in the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar district of Odisha and East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand.[3][4][5]

Celebration

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It is celebrated when the paddy crop starts growing in September, with the date of celebration fixed in a village council meeting.[6] A puja is performed by the Deuri (tribal priest) in the sacred grove known as Jahera or Jaherthan.[7] During this festival, people sacrifice he-goats and cocks to the village deities and hill gods.[8]

In Seraikela Kharsawan district, Goddess Paudi is worshipped at the Paudi sthan during this festival.[9] The Pakhnapat Jantal Puja, celebrated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is renowned for its rich cultural significance.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Mahapatra, Sitakant (1992). Unending Rhythms: Oral Poetry of the Indian Tribes. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0277-6.
  2. ^ Arts, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the (2001). Santhal Worldview. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-866-0.
  3. ^ Jha, Makhan (1991). Social Anthropology of Pilgrimage. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0265-3.
  4. ^ Indian Anthropologist. Indian Anthropological Association. 2006.
  5. ^ Social Science Probings. People's Publishing House. 1987.
  6. ^ Society, Indian Anthropological (2005). Journal of the Indian Anthropological Society. The Society.
  7. ^ India, Anthropological Survey of (1961). Bulletin of the Anthropological Survey of India. Director, Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum.
  8. ^ Mahapatra, Sitakant (1979). Bākhen: Ritual Invocation Songs of a Primitive Community. Prachi Prakashan.
  9. ^ Deo, Tikayet Nrupendra Narayan Singh (1954). Singhbhum, Seraikella & Kharswan Through the Ages. Alliance P.
  10. ^ Das, Namita (2021-01-01). "Local Fairs of Odisha, its impact on Family bond & Community Cohesiveness". Asian Mirror.