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The "Karma" or "Karama festival" is
widely prevalent among the tribal people of Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj,
Sambalpur, Bolangir, Dhenkanal and Keonjhar. The low-caste Hindus of the
areas also observe it. The aboriginal people of Bihar and Madaya Pradesh
also observe this festival. The tribes in Orissa who observe it with great
devotion are "Ho", "Kisan", "Kol", "Bhumij",
"Oraon", "Bhuiyan" and "Binjhals".
Time for the Festivity
In this festival the presiding deity is either 'Karama', a God or
'Karamasani', a Goddess who is represented with a branch of Karama tree.
Its celebration takes place in the bright half of the month of 'Bhadrab'
or 'Bhadra' during the rainy season. Mostly it is held on the eleventh day
of the bright fortnight.
The Ritual
In the ritual, people go the jungle accompanied by groups of drummers and
cut one or more branches of Karama tree. The branches are mostly carried
by unmarried young girls who sing in praise of the deity. Then the
branches are brought to the village and planted in the centre of a ground,
which is plastered with cow-dung and decorated with flowers.
Then the tribal-priest known as 'Jhankar' or 'Dehuri' offers germinated
grams and liquor in propitiation to the deity who grants wealth and
children. A fowl is also killed and the blood is offered to the branch.
Then, he narrates a legend to the villagers about the efficacy of "Karama
Puja".
The Various Tribal Legends
The legends vary from tribe to tribe. Among the Bhumij, Ho and Orans the
legend prevalent is that there were seven brothers living together. The
six elders used to work in the field and the youngest was staying at home.
He was indulging in dance and songs round a Karama tree in the courtyard
with his six sisters-in-law.
One day they were so engrossed that the morning meal of the brothers
could not be carried to the field by their respective wives. When they
arrived home, they got agitated and threw away the Karama tree to a river.
The youngest brother left home in anger. Then evil days fell on the
brothers. Their house was damaged, the crops failed and virtually they
starved.
While wandering, the youngest brother found the Karama tree
floating in the river. Then he propitiated the godling who restored
everything. Thereafter he came home, called his brothers and told them
that because they insulted "Karama Devta" they had to fall on
evil days. Since then the Karama Devta is being worshipped.
After narration of the legend all men and women drink liquor and spend
the whole night singing and dancing, which are essential parts of the
festival.
Another legend prevalent among the 'Pauri Bhuiyans' is that a merchant
returned home after a very prosperous voyage. His vessel was loaded with
precious metals and other valuables, which he had brought from distant
lands. He waited in the vessel to be ceremoniously received by his wife
and relatives, as was the custom.
As it was the day of Karama festival and all the women were engrossed
with dancing and the men playing the drums, none went to receive him. The
merchant became furious with them. He uprooted the Karama tree and threw
it away. Then the wrath of Karama Devta fell on him. His vessel
immediately sank in the sea. Then he consulted astrologers who told him to
propitiate Karama Devta.
Again in another vessel he set out in search of the deity and found him
floating in the sea, He propitiated him with great devotion and was
restored with all wealth. From that day on the annual festival of Karama
Puja is being held. After spending the whole night with dance and songs,
the people uproot the branches and carry them to nearby rivers or rivulets
for immersion.
The Two Way Celebration
The festival is observed in two ways. Firstly, it is commonly held by the
villagers on the village street and the expenses on liquor etc. are
commonly borne. Alternatively, it is celebrated by a man in his courtyard
under his patronage, to which he invites all. Even people who come
uninvited listening to the sound of drums are also entertained with
liquor.