Hingula Yatra, also known as Patua Yatra, is a popular festival associated with the worship of
Lord Shiva. It falls on Visuba Sankranti and is prevalent among low caste Hindus. The propitiation to Goddess Hingula on this day is believed to remove all evils. Spitted new clothes, pana (sweet-water), butter lamp and green mangoes are given as offerings to the goddess.
During the festival, devotees observe fasting and move from village to village with the sacred-pitcher symbolizing the Goddess. These worshippers are called Patuas. The procession is usually accompanied by singing and dancing. The Patua who dances with the holy-pitcher sometimes dances on the stilts and performs difficult Yogasanas.
In some areas, devotees vow to walk on thorns or bed of live charcoal while some to stand on edged swords. This practice of inflicting injury to oneself is traced to the Tantric culture and is believed to be done in order to draw the attention of the god whom they wish to appease. Hingula Yatra is confined to the remote villages of Orissa.
