Murmu, Modi offer prayers at tribal sacred sites in Odisha

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at tribal sacred sites, including Gosani Peeth and the Santhali and Ho Jaheras, at Pahadpur village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The PM’s visit to Pahadpur, the native village of the president’s late husband Shyam Charan Murmu, was held amid unprecedented security arrangements and away from media glare.

Murmu, who was already present in the village, received the prime minister on his arrival. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome



by residents, with drumbeats, flowers and traditional tribal dances.

The president and the PM first visited Gosani Peeth, then walked to the Santhali and Ho Jaheras, where they planted saplings.

While Jaheras are sacred groves where tribal deities are worshipped, Gosani is associated with prayers offered to ancestors, said Damayanti Beshra, an Ol Chiki scholar.

“It was an unforgettable day for the tribals of Odisha. Both the President and the PM offered prayers at tribal sacred groves,” Beshra said.