Sohrai, a popular festival of the tribes in
Orissa and
Jharkhand, is associated with the cattle. It is celebrated during
Diwali, and falls in the month of November. On this occasion, the cattle are washed and worshipped.
The cattle’s horns and hoofs are graced with oil diluted sindoor. Besides, earthen lamps are lighted in the cattle sheds, cow-dung pits and kitchen gardens in the evening. Fowl and pigs are offered to the presiding deity of the cattle.
This festival, also known as Kartik Bakhra, is a time for great amusement, and several activities such as bull fights are organized.
