By IANS
Ranchi : As Khiru Munda closes his eyes and walks on fire, with many others who do it every year during a tribal fire festival in Jharkhand, he is sure that divine powers will grant him his wish.
It is to appease god and to get wishes fulfilled that tribal people walk on fire during the Manda festival, celebrated for a month beginning in the Hindu month of Chaitya.
“Every year scores of men and women walk on fire to appease Lord Shiva. There is a strong belief in the tribal society that Shiva fulfils the desires of worshippers,” said Khiru Munda.
Devotee Lakshman Oraon said: “Many people pray for good crops, good health or money. Lord Shiva fulfils the desire of the people participating in the festival when they walk on fire.”
The festival, in existence for hundreds of years, is said to have originated over farming fears.
“After Holi, the harvesting takes place and then the sowing season begins. Farmers worship Shiva, who is known to bless worshippers,” said V.S. Uppadhaya, a retired anthropology professor of Ranchi University.
He added: “With the passage of time, the forms of worship have changed and now people celebrate the festival for more than a good harvest.”
After participants have fasted, a fire is ignited by burning coal in preparation for the nightly walk ritual.
“There is this belief that those who are real followers of Lord Shiva do not sustain burns on their legs or feet despite walking on fire,” explained Sukhdeo Soren, a priest.