The Shivratri at Narayanpur was a grand affair.All the local dieties were welcomed with great fanfare and gaeity at the nightlong 'jaatra'.The special feature of the jaatras are the 'angas' that arrive ceremoniously from different villages.
The Anga is made from four bamboos that are placed one across the other like a square. It is carried by bearers who are in a trance.The spirit of the Anga dictates their movement.They move synchroniously and cannot place the Anga down until reaching its predetermined place.
It is said that the when the Anga grows old and a new one needs to be made, the anga appears in the dream of the person who has to craft it.
The Anga has its own house or a room for itself in every village and is decorated with coins, feathers, coloured cloth and brass figurines....

The power of the supernatural is very evident in the people who bear the Anga.How else can we explain their synchronious dance and movement over such long distances they traverse with the Anga on their shoulders.

The drive from Jagdalpur to Dantewada is truly very scenic...a canopy of trees, ....{that are decreasing gradually due to the road construction by the BRO}.

One gets to see glimpses of ancient tradition alive even today..alive, ironically in the totem poles made for the dear departed that are decorated colourfully, depicting elements of their daily life and nature.

A few old pillars have been protected by building shelters around them while others stand mute spectators to the development activities being carried out, that settles as dust on their magnificent figures.....

Change is inevitable.....but, should we let go of our past..?