Paisari puja, outlining the cultural framework of the Kharia tribe, is an important festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the tribal group. The festival is chiefly performed to appease evil spirits and prevent them causing any harm to the community members. Some of the spirits deemed to cause harm are Chitta (responsible for stomach disorder and pain), Ghardeota (House hold deity) and Khunt-pat. The puja is usually performed during Kanbedhi (ear boring) marriage, Tiljang or Kamawan (final purification in death rites) and Pushyatra (a fair or gathering organised during December-January).
The festival is attended by people residing the different villages in the vicinity. Majority of the people who assemble usually suffer from various ailments such as Mur-batha (headache). Dehbatha (bodyache), Pat batha (stomach disorder and pain) caused due to the displeasure of the spirits. The Paisari Puja is thus, performed to please these spirits.
Performance of Paisari Festival
Paisari Festival, reflecting the cultural shade of the Kharia life, is performed by the Kalo during marriage at Dera (halting place) where the barat party puts up upon their in the village. The festival is also performed during other occasions such as Kanbedhi (ear boring) and Kamawan (death rites) in the courtyard of the family. During Pusyatra, the organisers of the village arrange the puja in the premises where the fair is organised. Several items are utilised for the performance of the puja such as arwa chawal, flower, dhup dhuwan i.e. incense sticks, fire, red cock, golang and water. Rice is procured in a Sup i.e. a winnowing fan while other materials are stored in Dona (leaf cup) except fire and water.
Fire is burnt in a Khapra (tile) while water is kept in a lota i.e. a water pot. Two types of rice beer, paisari Golang (a kind of sacred rice beer prepared for this puja) and Dakai Golang (meant for Dakai Rani) are also indispensable for the puja. During the execution of the puja, the Kalo makes five heaps of rice. Standing before these heaps, facing the eastern side, he clutches a Rangua (red) cock with both his hands. He then offers prayers to the Bern and enchants the following Mantra:
`Oh God, please see I am performing your puja. Please see that every thing remains as it is and no disturbance is caused.`
The Kalo makes the red cock pick up rice grains from the five heaps of rice. The cock is then sacrificed to the deity by chopping its head off with an axe. The drops the blood is poured over these heaps. The Kalo then bows down five times by kneeling on the ground. Then head and heart portions of the sacrificed cock are roasted in a Sal leaf cup while a small amount of meat is also put on the five heaps of rice. He pours Paisari Golang on them followed by Dakai Golang and then he bows down once again. The remaining portion of the head and heart of the cock is acquired by the Kalo while the beheaded trunk of the animal is consumed by other members. The Paisari and Dakai Golang are tabooed for the widow and widower. They are served with other golang.
The festival, showcasing the age old traditions and customs deep rooted into the Kharia cultural life, facilitates in generating close ties among the residents of the community.
