In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, village Babeijoda has become a symbol of rural progress and community living, exemplified by its close-knit Santal community, which is keeping its traditions alive while moving forward despite challenges.
In the lush heart of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha lies Babeijoda, a small village that exemplifies the harmonious blend of rural development and the preservation of tribal traditions, despite the challenges that still exist.
Known locally as Babjala village, Babeijoda is located in the Bhatchhatra panchayat, under Bisoi block, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Simlipal range.
Babeijoda’s commitment to cleanliness and community living goes beyond the festive seasons. The village has not recorded any major crimes in recent memory. Disputes are settled under the supervision of the village’s traditional head, Majhibaba, reinforcing the importance of community justice.
Forty years ago, under the leadership of Faguram Murmu, the village took a strong stand against narcotics and began spreading awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. Today, this sense of community responsibility continues, with the Vipil Ranakab Madwa Yuvak Sangh organising annual health camps and undertaking other social initiatives.
With a population of over 400 people from more than 80 households, Babeijoda is primarily inhabited by members of the Santali community, one of the largest and oldest tribal groups in India. Santals are known for their close-knit communal lifestyle and their deep connection to the land, and Babeijoda reflects this spirit. Nearly all families in the village are engaged in farming related activities.
Despite being a remote village, Babeijoda has benefitted from the modern roadways under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. A well-laid road connects the village to NH 49, making it easily accessible to and from Bisoi block’s main office, just 10 km away.
However, the development story of Babeijoda is still in progress. While the roads and electricity supply have improved, challenges remain, particularly in water supply. Of the four tubewells in the village, one is non-functional. A solar lift irrigation project has been initiated, but water supply under the Rural Piped Water Supply Mission is yet to become a reality. Despite these setbacks, the villagers persevere and continue to advocate for further administrative support, especially in areas related to farming and water security.
While development efforts have brought some modern conveniences to Babeijoda, the village’s true spirit is in its adherence to Santali traditions and customs. It celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, each with deep cultural significance. These act as the glue that binds the community together, ensuring that the tribal way of life continues to flourish even in the face of modernisation.
One of the most important festivals is the Santali New Year, celebrated in the first moon sighting of the month of Magh. This festival marks a fresh beginning for the community and is deeply intertwined with their agrarian lifestyle. The Bhujani festival, held in the month of Chaitra, is another significant event, aimed at protecting the village from the negative impacts of natural changes during seasonal transitions. In this festival, a communal puja is performed to ensure the village’s well-being.
The month of Baisakh is marked by the Erhashim Puja, which celebrates the sowing of paddy crops, while in Jyeshtha, the Rajasala festival marks the coming monsoon. Ashadh brings the Ashalia Puja , a time when Santals offer prayers for good rains and bountiful harvests.
Gamma Parva takes place on the full moon day of Shravan, and Jantal puja (Forest worship) is celebrated in the month of Bhadrava. These festivals not only ensure the prosperity of their crops and the balance of nature but also reinforce the community’s strong connection to the environment and their ancestral lands.
The vibrant Dasain Nach, a tribal dance, is held two days before Dussehra and lasts for five days, where the villagers visit neighbouring villages in a festive procession. However, the most significant festival in Babeijoda is the Saharaya festival, celebrated during Kali Puja (Deepavali). This five-day festival includes unique rituals such as traditional dances, and communal feasts that unite the entire village.
The success of the village isn’t just rooted in its culture but also in its people. One such figure is Kartikchandra Hansda, a farmer whose remarkable achievements have brought recognition to Babeijoda. Hansda grew up with a passion for social service. After completing his graduation, he worked for a community radio organisation but decided to return to his roots in 2015 to pursue farming full-time.
Starting with 3.5 acres of his own land and leasing 10 more acres from others, he began experimenting with modern farming techniques. His real breakthrough came in 2017 when he successfully implemented modern technology to cultivate bananas, earning him lakhs of rupees in profit. He has also hired labourers from the village. His wife, Parvati Hembram, a postgraduate in history from North Odisha University, too actively contributes to his agricultural work.
Kartik was awarded the Kruti Krishak Samman at the Krishi Mahotsav organised by the Odisha government in 2017-18. Their efforts have also been recognised by various government agencies for contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable farming practices. Their work not only symbolises the success of modernised farming techniques but also represents the resilience and adaptability of the Santali community in an evolving world.
Cleanliness is a core value in Babeijoda, and this is no better exemplified than during the Pataparva festival, celebrated after Shivratri. During this three-day festival, the entire village undergoes a transformation. Houses are given a fresh coat of paint, streets are thoroughly cleaned and dustbins are placed throughout the village.
Traditionally, Santali women are skilled in house painting, but this festival has enhanced their abilities, resulting in beautiful, artfully decorated homes. The village itself becomes a work of art, drawing thousands of visitors from surrounding areas who come to admire the beauty and cleanliness of Babeijoda.
The festival also includes traditional performances, such as the Dhaval dance, where villagers dressed in their traditional attire perform Santali dances to the beats of the “madal baja”. Organised by the Bhanja Epil Ranakab Madwa club, club president Chandan Hansda, alongside key members such as Kartikchandra Hansda, Sadanand Tudu, and others, play a pivotal role in promoting the festival.
Their efforts ensure that Babeijoda’s traditions, cleanliness, and vibrant cultural heritage are preserved and celebrated.
The lead photo shows Babeijoda. The entire village becomes a work of art during the Pataparva Festival. (Photo by Shreekant Sahoo)
Shreekanta Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with a decade of dedicated experience in the ever-evolving field of media.
