Social practices, Rituals and Festive events
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Salhesh
Salhesh is the chief deity of the socially marginalized and downtrodden Dusadh dalit community in Bihar. The festival of Salhesh provides identity, social cohesion and self respect to the community. The Salhesh festival is celebrated with recitations, folklore, craftsmanship and performing arts. The performance includes instrumental music, recital of songs in local dialect, dancing, acrobatics and symbolic gestures. The festival culminates with the votive offerings of the terracotta horse-riders to the deity. This cultural heritage is however on in danger of getting lost. Some safeguarding measures have been taken by the state as well by art connoisseurs and the community itself.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Aditya, CEE Ahmedabad
Sathi Puja
Sathi puja is basically observed at Puri and Ganjam district in Odisha. It is being observed by mothers for the welfare of their children. Six small doll-like images of 'sathi' (sisters) are made by using 'haldi' (turmeric) and amla paste. The dolls are being worshiped by offering a curry dish in which six types of 'saag' (leaves) and six types of vegetables are mixed. Six number of 'chakuli pitha' (cake made out of rice and black-gram powder) are also offered. The mother also used to worship her own child on this auspicious occasion. The mother beats her chldren mildly on the back by using this bunch of twigs consisting of 'Apamaranga', 'Bajramuli', 'Saru', 'Amba' (mango), 'Bichuati', and 'Barakoli'.
Sama Chakeva
During the winter season the birds from the Himalayas migrate towards the plains and it is during this period, the people of Bihar welcome these migratory birds by celebrating 'Sama Chakeva'. It is one of the famous festivals of Mithila region of Bihar. This festival also commemorates the strong relationship between brother and sister.
Sankirtan
Sankirtan is a form of narrative singing and dancing within the framework of Hindu rituals and ceremonies from Manipur. It is performed in a prescribed temple or courtyard area with audience seated according to set rules. Narratives are mostly drawn from legends of Krishna with every sequence of the recital symbolizing a certain aspect of divinity.
Source IGNCA Inventory of ICH, Janapada Sampada Division, IGNCA
Contributed by Prarthana Borah, CEE Ahmedabad
Samba Dasami
'Samba Dashami' is one among the unique rituals observed on the 10th day during the 'Shukla Paksha' or waxing phase of moon in the month of 'Pausha' (December – January). This festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun) mainly observed in Odisha
Sonepur Mela
The Sonepur cattle fair or Sonepur Mela is held on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur, Bihar, on the confluence of river Ganga and Gandak. It is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela and it attracts visitors from all over Asia.