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File Jharkhand
tribals celebrate 'Koka Festival'
by Girija Shankar Ojha Ranchi:
The aboriginals living in the hilly tracts in Tamar village of Jharkhand celebrated
the 'Koka Festival' devoted to Lord Shiva. The highlight of the festival is the
marriage procession of Lord Shiva. Thousands of villagers from nearby villages
gathered in the compound of ancient Mahadeo Temple to witness the annual colourful
procession. "In the marriage procession of Lord Shiva, the guests were dressed
up as Koka (disguised ghosts). When the procession reached the house of the bride,
then the mother-in-law and others asked the guests to change their disguised look,"
said Ratan Lal Rai, a priest. The festivities continue throughout the night with
dance-drama performances and prayer sessions followed by a fair. Devotees also
observe fasting for the fulfillment of their wishes. "Devotees observe fasting
for the sake of their wishes. Some observe five-day fasting while some observe
seven-days fasting," said Sandip Kumar Mandak, a devotee. Koka festival is also
known as 'Chaitra Parv' because of its celebration in Chaitra month as per Hindu
calendar. -Apr 29, 2009
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