Mail News Service
Saraikela, April 5: The famous Chaitra festival of Saraikela commenced on Monday evening with the holy clay pot or Shubh Ghat being brought in by the Pat Bhokta (chief priest). In keeping with tradition, the Bhokta reached the bank of Kharkai River, the Majna Ghat at dusk, bathed and collected water in the holy pitcher or Shubh Ghat and reached the Prachin Shivalay where it was placed with ritualistic prayers. All Chhau dance Akaharas or training schools came alive with music for the auspicious occasion.
The Choutra Parv of Saraikela and the religious paraphernalia attached to it has the message of eliminating caste and creed bias and establishing a united world. The Ghat Pat tradition involves five days of religious rituals performed by 13 Bhoktas drawn from 12 separate communities.