horns, Faith and Fury: MP Village Revives Centuries-Old 'Chhoda' Ritual
Discover the centuries-old Chhoda tradition in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, where villagers celebrate faith and cattle through a daring ritual.
While most of India spends the day after Diwali in quiet family gatherings, the residents of Sultaniya village in the Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh engage in a high-adrenaline ritual that blends spirituality with raw power. Known as the Chhoda tradition (or Go-Kreeda), this centuries-old practice transforms the occasion of Padwa into a spectacle of faith and bravery.
The Ritual: A Test of Strength and Devotion
Often compared to the famous Jallikattu of Tamil Nadu, the Chhoda tradition is far more than a mere sport. The ritual involves a specific, symbolic act where villagers present cows with bundles of plants from the Tulsi family, which are securely tied with leather ropes. The goal is for the cows to strike these objects with their horns, a gesture that is deeply rooted in local belief.
According to local resident Bansilal Patel, the tradition is linked to the legacy of Lord Devnarayan. For the people of Sultaniya, this is not just a game but a profound symbol of cow service and a means of fostering communal harmony within the village.
A Year of Preparation for One Day of Glory
The intensity of the event is matched by the dedication of the cattle owners. These farmers do not simply bring any animal to the arena; they spend the entire year meticulously caring for and preparing their cows specifically for this day. This lifelong bond between the owner and the animal culminates in the Chhoda event, which the villagers believe brings prosperity and peace to their land.
Danger Amidst Devotion
However, the spectacle is not without its perils. The raw power of the cattle makes the event inherently risky. Over the years, the tradition has seen its share of tragedies, with participants being trampled or seriously injured. In some instances, the festival has even resulted in the loss of human life.
Despite these grave dangers, the spirit of the tradition remains unbroken. The event transcends social barriers, drawing participants from all castes and religions, who view their involvement as a testament to their unwavering faith.
A Village Transformed into a Stadium
The scale of the event attracts thousands of spectators from neighboring villages, turning Sultaniya into a buzzing hub of activity. To get a glimpse of the action, crowds scramble onto rooftops and the tops of buildings, creating a makeshift stadium around the ritual grounds.
To ensure that the excitement does not spiral into chaos, the Pachore police station deployed officers to manage the massive crowds and maintain order, ensuring that the centuries-old tradition could be carried out safely amidst the fervor.