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Jantal Puja also known as Jantal Bonga or Jaontar Bonga, is a harvesting festival of the Bhumijs, Bhuiyas, Khonds and Santals. [1] [2] It is a community level festival celebrated in the Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar district of Odisha and East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela Kharsawan district of Jharkhand. [3] [4] [5]
It is celebrated when the paddy crop starts growing in September, with the date of celebration fixed in a village council meeting. [6] A puja is performed by the Deuri (tribal priest) in the sacred grove known as Jahera or Jaherthan. [7] During this festival, people sacrifice he-goats and cocks to the village deities and hill gods. [8]
In Seraikela Kharsawan district, Goddess Paudi is worshipped at the Paudi sthan during this festival. [9] The Pakhnapat Jantal Puja, celebrated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is renowned for its rich cultural significance. [10]