Prez Murmu, PM Modi Offer Prayers at Tribal Sacred Groves in Mayurbhanj

Bureau,Odishabarta

Rairangpur: In a rare cultural gesture blending tradition with statecraft, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at tribal sacred sites in Pahadpur village of Mayurbhanj district, which is the President’s native region.

The two leaders visited Gosani Peeth as well as the Santhali and Ho Jaheras, which are revered groves where tribal deities are worshipped. Amid tight security but away from media glare, they participated in rituals, planted saplings and donned traditional Santhali attire before entering the wooded shrines.

President Murmu, already in her home village, received Modi with drumbeats, floral greetings and tribal performances. According to tribal experts, Jaheras are sacred groves central to Santhal and Ho traditions, while Gosani Peeth is linked to ancestral prayers.

The dignitaries also visited a school Murmu established in memory of her late husband Shyam Charan Murmu and her two sons. Modi paid floral tributes at Shyam Charan’s statue, interacted with students, toured a Skill Centre and viewed an exhibition of tribal products.

The village was festooned with flowers, motifs and trbal artwork, as residents lined the streets to welcome the leaders.

#agencies