Baripada: People of Mayurbhanj district are observing a special festival called Baa Parba (flower festival) since March 1. The festival is celebrated for a month during the spring season as a respect to environment and nature.

"With the onset of the spring season, we have been busy in the special worship and merry-making," said Kunja Bihari Purti of Badabalichua village under Bisoi block.

According to a research scholar on tribal culture, Binod Kumar Nayak, the tribal people consider earth and all the plants and trees as their mother. As a respect to the mother they conduct a special worship during the flowering of Sal tree. From the time immemorial, they have been worshiping Sal trees and as a respect to their mother they dance, drink and feast.

In Mayurbhanj, Santhala, Kollho, Bhumija and Ho tribes, who have been living for ages, are observing this festival. They congregate in Jahira (the place of worship) along with the dehuri (the tribal priest) and perform the special puja.

"Baa means flower and Parba means festival. The name of the festival itself clearly states that it is a flower festival which is held on the onset of spring season. The duration of worship is decided according to the availability of dehuri (the priest)," Nayak said.

"As a part of the celebrations they prepare khichdi ( a dish made from rice, dal and vegetables cooked together), non-vegetarian dishes and consume handia (a locally prepared brew). This practice shows that the tribals are ardent worshipper and lover of nature," Nayak further said.