The Oraon and Dandakatta
As per the census 2011, the Oraon tribe is the second largest tribe of Chhotanagpur region of Jharkhand. Their faith and beliefs and practices have been conceptualised by the name of Sarna religion in recent years3.
Nevertheless, their religious philosophy is essentially based on nature worship. They perform many rituals occasionally and annually in their day to day life. Among those activities and rituals, Dandakatta is considered an important ritual which is necessarily performed at least once in a year in every Oraon house. According to the genesis myth of the Oraon, it is the ritual that was first performed by their ancestors (Mahadev and Parvati - the Hindu god and his consort). Later, they taught the process to their descendants who are known as the Oraon. In Oraon culture, Mahadev is known as Dharme or Dharmesh (Bhagat 2013:19). During Dandakatta ritual, Dharmesh alone is worshipped (Toppo 2008:2). Dharmesh is considered as the creator and almighty (Tirkey 1980:20). Therefore, in this worship, they pray before Dharmesh to protect them from enemies in times of crisis, save them from evil eyes, and increase animal wealth, crops, and other material wealth. This ritual holds much importance as it symbolises different meanings relating to happiness, prosperity, and protection. Materials used in this ritual are culturally prescribed and connected with the religious philosophy of the people. These materials carry abstract cultural meanings. In any ritual other than Dandakatta, other deities are worshiped followed by the worship of Dharmesh at the end. A white chicken is sacrificed in his name. It is believed that if any mistake arises in the worship of a deity in a ritual, then Dharmesh comes to the rescue. So, he is worshipped after the concerned deity is worshipped.20.3
More on the topic The Oraon and Dandakatta:
-
Conflictology -
Ecology -
Economy -
Finance -
History -
Law -
Medicine -
Philosophy -
Religious studies -