PAHADPUR (Odisha), 20 June (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday offered prayers at sacred tribal sites in Pahadpur village of Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, highlighting the country's rich indigenous traditions and cultural heritage.

The two leaders visited Gosani Peeth and the sacred Santhali and Ho Jaheras, which are revered places of worship for the Santhal and Ho tribal communities. These sites hold immense spiritual and cultural significance and are regarded as symbols of the communities' ancestral faith, customs, and identity.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Pahadpur, the native village of President Murmu's late husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, was conducted under unprecedented security arrangements. Entry into the village was tightly regulated, with access restricted to ensure the smooth conduct of the high-profile visit.

President Murmu, who had arrived in the village earlier, received the Prime Minister upon his arrival. Modi was accorded a traditional welcome by local residents with drumbeats, floral greetings, and colourful tribal dance performances that showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of the region.

During their visit on Saturday, President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tributes at the memorial dedicated to Shyam Charan Murmu and the President's two sons, honouring the family's memory. They later interacted briefly with local residents and viewed displays highlighting the area's tribal traditions, handicrafts, and ongoing development initiatives.

The visit underscored the importance of preserving India's tribal heritage and recognising the enduring cultural legacy of indigenous communities. The sacred Jaheras and Gosani Peeth continue to serve as important centres of worship, where tribal families gather to seek blessings during festivals, community ceremonies, and significant life events.

The Pahadpur visit formed part of the Prime Minister's Odisha tour on Saturday. Following the visit, President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi were scheduled to participate in a public programme in nearby Rairangpur to mark the second anniversary of the Odisha government. The event also included the inauguration and foundation stone laying of several infrastructure and development projects aimed at boosting connectivity, public services, and economic growth across the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar