Today is Makar Shankranti -- for some it's holy day. I thought some of the kids from Burhikura may not show up. But they all came. It's an important day for the Santhals too. Many of them take a holy dip in the river and have a sort of feast. In fact, Roldih has started celebrating Sohrai (tribal festival) from today. It will last at least three days. A few of the Roldih children have asked for leave for the celebrations.
Yesterday the gurit came to collect rice and vegetables for the feast. We made our contribution. But tomorrow or day after, the whole village will show up. We have already bought some muri (puffed rice) and gur (jaggery) to distribute amongst them. There'll be a lot of drinking, feasting and dancing in the village. They come to the ashram too. But because it's a "holy" place they don't celebrate here. Just beat the drums for a while, collect the "muri" and go
back to the village to dance and sing.
back to the village to dance and sing. The day has not been very eventful. The masons worked on repairs. The painter did not come because of Makar Shankranti. But school went on as usual.
I had expected it to be a very cold day like it happens every year on this day. But surprisingly, it's quite a warm day.
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