Despite of the 21st century development, the tribal are very well connected to their roots, traditions and socio-religious rituals. Hardship of the life, limited resources & means do not deter these people to observe their age-old traditions. Though the religious faith is the prime reasons to organize the festivals and traditions, it has social significance too. Unlike the economically developed communities, tribal devote their time and energy to community activities in a great deal.
Recently I was in Kondagaon of the same region, where I witnessed 'Laxmi Jagar' (waking up of Goddess of Wealth- Laxmi).
The festival is celebrated in almost all the villages or cluster of villages. The Laxmi is worshipped by the community when the crop of paddy comes home. In an agricultural country of India, new crop means money and food for the whole year. The Goddess is taken in to a procession with music by traditional instrument under the guidance of any priest or senior person! With different rituals and religious act the festival ends up with the final worship at some water body of the village.
It is celebrated with variations in different parts of Bastar.
For an outsider person like me, the festival was not only a cultural bonanza; it's a feast to the eyes, and to the soul!
'Laxmi Lagar' is indeed, one of many colours of Bastar! Colourful and vibrating Bastar!!
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