Ancient Khas Tribe Celebrates Udhauli Festival, Worshipping Nature as God

• The ancient Khas tribe in Kalchini, Alipurduar, North Bengal, celebrates the Udhauli festival, worshipping nature as 'God' with dance and song.
• Udhauli is celebrated during winter harvest, offering thanks to nature for good crops and seeking forgiveness for cutting them.
• The festival also involves prayers for the well-being of insects living in the soil, reflecting a deep respect for all life.
• Organizer Sachin Jegoria highlighted the tradition of offering a portion of harvested crops to deities, a practice continued for years.
• The celebration in Jaigaon showcased young girls performing rituals dedicated to the five elements, symbolizing gratitude for a good harvest.

Why It Matters: The Khas tribe's Udhauli festival is a vibrant celebration of nature worship, gratitude, and ecological harmony.