One of the best things about India is that each festival is celebrated in a different fashion and light here! One such example is Devari which is celebrated by the Gond tribe of Chhattisgarh. While the festival is celebrated on the same day as Diwali (the 15th day of Kartik month of the Hindu calendar), the story behind it is very different. Scroll on to know more about this other version of the festival.
Devari Festival Of Chhattisgarh & Its Significance
Devari, also known as Diyari, is predominantly celebrated by the rural communities in and around Bastar, Chhattisgarh. According to Sahapedia, tribal communities celebrate the festival to worship new crops and cattle. Some tribes carry stems of the rice plants with rice seeds to the village and offer them for the ‘Laxmi Jagar’ (marriage) of King Narayan. It is believed that before climate change, crops used to be harvested before Diwali and the festival was celebrated to honour that.
As per Sahapedia, on this day, the shepherds invite the cattle owners over to his home for lunch. They welcome and offer them food to show their appreciation and gratitude. During the evening, men belonging to the shepherd community visit each cattle-owner’s house. They walk together with live music, dance and sing folk songs. The cattle owners then tie ‘gaitha’ or ‘jaitha’ to the cattle’s neck, which is like a garland. They light up oil lamps throughout the night and perform Raut Nacha.
God-Dhan Puja, a day after Devari, is the second day of this celebration. People make five kinds of tubers and khichdi to commemorate this festival. This meal is then served to bullocks and cows to show gratitude for their service during the harvesting season. The cattle are cleaned, decorated, and adorned with flowers and people perform puja to worship them.
Also Read: Enjoy A Smoke & Pollution-Free Diwali In These 13 Stunning Getaways Near Delhi
Festival’s Importance For The Gond Community
It is believed that the first mythical marriage in the Gond tribe took place on the day of Devari. That’s why this day is celebrated with full gusto by the rural communities. They light up oil lamps, but instead of clay, these lamps are made with rice flour and are a sign of prosperity and well-being. This festival also marks the beginning of the wedding season in the Gond tribe as Devari is considered the eve of the first marriage in the community.
Also Read: What Is Dipalikaya, The Jain Diwali Festival Of Light, Knowledge & Freedom?
It’s quite fascinating how festivals are celebrated so differently in different parts of India! Did you know about Chhattisgarh’s Devari before? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Sahapedia & Canva (representative image)
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