Bolangir, Jan 7: The Sulia Peetha in Khairiguda village under Bolangir district's Deogaon block was blood-stained as hundreds of birds and animals were butchered in a sacrificial offering to Sulia Budha, the village's presiding deity.

According to tradition, Dehury and other priests holding traditional weapons went in a procession from Suliagudi and reached Sulia Peetha at midnight. They conducted Nishipuja (Puja in the night) and made a sacrificial offering to Sulia Budha first.

In the meantime, hundreds of Manasikadhari (Devotees who promise to offer something to deities on fulfillment of their wishes) came with birds like cocks, pigeons, and doves and pet animals like goats and Sheep to the temple. These animals were butchered and offered as Bhog to the deity.

The police administration made a security arrangement for the smooth conduct of the festival, popularly known as 'Sulia Jatra'. Sulia Yatra is observed on the first Tuesday of the light fortnight of the Month of Pousha. This is the festival of the Kondh tribal people. Nature is worshipped in this festival.

While Khairguda is the main seat of Sulia Budha, Shulia Yatra is also observed at various places in the Bolangir district. Thousands of animals and birds are sacrificed on the day.

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