Baripada: The Bathudi community, one of the major tribal communities of the Mayurbhanj, have been worshiping their deity, Badam, from the time immemorial.

They visit their ancient temple located in the core area of Simlipal Tiger Reserve during Chaitra (April).

They go to the temple in groups to the reserve's core area to worship the deity. This year their Badam puja festival began last Sunday and concluded on Friday.The community people also worshipped 18 other deities in the caves of Simlipal.

The temple is located in Lembugada near Bakua in the core area of the reserve. The wildlife authorities accord permission to the tribals to enter the core area and reside there till completion of their puja.

The deputy director of the tiger reserve, Yaganadutt Pati, said: "When the tiger reserve was established there was an agreement between the wildlife department and the local inhabitants that their heritage and culture would be protected and they would be allowed to offer puja as per their tradition."

"Therefore the tribals were permitted to enter and stay in the core area of the tiger reserve for their puja," he said.

According to a research scholar of the community Rajkishor Nayak, Bathudis were one of the primitive communities who had been inhabiting Simlipal. The tribals depend on the reserve for all their needs.

"Badam is our god. He has been protecting the flora and fauna and the tribal community here from the adversities," said Nayak

"In the month of Chaitra, as fixed by the priest of the community, people visit the temple to offer their prayers. The tribals don't harm plants and herbs. The population of Bathudis community is about 3 lakh in Mayurbhanj district," he further said.