Mayurbhanj: Odisha is home to diverse cultural traditions that have been passed through several generations. One such tradition is ‘Tusu parav’, a unique festival, which is celebrated among the Kudumi community as a part of ‘Makara Parba’.
‘Tusu’ is the figurine of a Goddess which is made by young tribal girls. The people of the community then go in a colourful procession around the village carrying ‘Tusu Devi’ on their shoulders. In the evening, they submerge the figurine in the river in a teary farewell to the goddess.
While it is unclear as to which Goddess do the tribe actually worship, experts on the matter have claimed that it’s the idol of Goddess Laxmi or Gayatri which they pray to in order to lead a good life. In fact, another name associated with Goddess Gayatri is ‘Supta Devi’ which has been gradually changed to ‘Tusu’.
The story behind Goddess Tusu is an interesting one. Once upon a time, a Kudumi King ruled over the areas of Chotnagpur’s Mala. He had a beautiful daughter named Tusu. However, a Muslim king who ruled over Odisha, wanted Tusu to satisfy his lust. Tusu came to know of this and decided to kill herself rather than lose her piousness.
Her maids adorned her with all the fineries on the fateful day. In the evening, Tusu jumped from a bridge into the river. This day was celebrated henceforth as Makar Sankranti. Her sacrifice became stuff of legends. Young Kudumi girls make figurines of Tusu and celebrate her character with a colourful procession amidst tribal dance and music.
However, many cultural experts of Kudumi community and of other communities have rubbished the fact that ‘Tusu’ is mythological celebration. Famous sand artiste Dasrath Mohanta said, “It’s an honour to make her replica through sand art. I firmly believe that Tusu is a Goddess who is worshipped by all Kudumi girls. Medini Murmu, a young girl of the community, said, “This day is marked by delicious food, cock fights and colourful attires.”