| KARAMA
FESTIVAL |
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| Celebrated In
: Tribal Areas of Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Bolangir,
Dhenkanal & Keonjhar, Orissa. |
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| Celebrated by
: Ho, Kisan, Kol, Bhumij, Oraon, Bhuiyan & Binijhals
Tribes. |
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| Presiding
Deity : God Karama or Goddess Karamasani |
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| Fall in : Month of Bhadrapada (August - September) |
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| The
"Karma" or "Karama festival" is widely prevalent among the tribal
people of Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Bolangir, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar. The
low-caste Hindus of the areas also observe it. The aboriginal people of Bihar and Madaya
Pradesh also observe this festival. The tribes in Orissa who observe it with great
devotion are "Ho", "Kisan", "Kol", "Bhumij",
"Oraon", "Bhuiyan" and "Binjhals". |
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Time
for the Festivity
In this festival the presiding deity is either 'Karama', a God or 'Karamasani', a Goddess
who is represented with a branch of Karama tree. Its celebration takes place in the bright
half of the month of 'Bhadrab' or 'Bhadra' during the rainy season. Mostly it is held on
the eleventh day of the bright fortnight. |
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The
Ritual
In the ritual, people go the jungle accompanied by groups of drummers and cut one or more
branches of Karama tree. The branches are mostly carried by unmarried young girls who sing
in praise of the deity. Then the branches are brought to the village and planted in the
centre of a ground, which is plastered with cow-dung and decorated with flowers. |
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| Then the
tribal-priest known as 'Jhankar' or 'Dehuri' offers germinated grams and liquor in
propitiation to the deity who grants wealth and children. A fowl is also killed and the
blood is offered to the branch. Then, he narrates a legend to the villagers about the
efficacy of "Karama Puja". |
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The
Various Tribal Legends
The legends vary from tribe to tribe. Among the Bhumij, Ho and Orans the legend prevalent
is that there were seven brothers living together. The six elders used to work in the
field and the youngest was staying at home. He was indulging in dance and songs round a
Karama tree in the courtyard with his six sisters-in-law. |
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| One day they were
so engrossed that the morning meal of the brothers could not be carried to the field by
their respective wives. When they arrived home, they got agitated and threw away the
Karama tree to a river. The youngest brother left home in anger. Then evil days fell on
the brothers. Their house was damaged, the crops failed and virtually they starved. |
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| While wandering,
the youngest brother found the Karama tree floating in the river. Then he propitiated the
godling who restored everything. Thereafter he came home, called his brothers and told
them that because they insulted "Karama Devta" they had to fall on evil days.
Since then the Karama Devta is being worshipped. |
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| After narration
of the legend all men and women drink liquor and spend the whole night singing and
dancing, which are essential parts of the festival. |
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| Another legend
prevalent among the 'Pauri Bhuiyans' is that a merchant returned home after a very
prosperous voyage. His vessel was loaded with precious metals and other valuables, which
he had brought from distant lands. He waited in the vessel to be ceremoniously received by
his wife and relatives, as was the custom. |
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| As it was the day
of Karama festival and all the women were engrossed with dancing and the men playing the
drums, none went to receive him. The merchant became furious with them. He uprooted the
Karama tree and threw it away. Then the wrath of Karama Devta fell on him. His vessel
immediately sank in the sea. Then he consulted astrologers who told him to propitiate
Karama Devta. |
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| Again in another
vessel he set out in search of the deity and found him floating in the sea, He propitiated
him with great devotion and was restored with all wealth. From that day on the annual
festival of Karama Puja is being held. After spending the whole night with dance and
songs, the people uproot the branches and carry them to nearby rivers or rivulets for
immersion. |
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The
Two Way Celebration
The festival is observed in two ways. Firstly, it is commonly held by the villagers on the
village street and the expenses on liquor etc. are commonly borne. Alternatively, it is
celebrated by a man in his courtyard under his patronage, to which he invites all. Even
people who come uninvited listening to the sound of drums are also entertained with
liquor. |
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