Malkangiri: A tragic mishap marred celebrations of Chadak Puja in Odisha's Malkangiri district, following the death of a man in a fatal fall from a tree. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Jagadish Sana of MV-72 village.

As per reports, the annual Chadak puja was ongoing across several villages to mark the end of Chaitra month. The festival, rooted in traditional beliefs, involves devotees performing daring acts to appease Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. As part of the ritual, participants climb tall palm trees and swing or perform stunts on thorny branches. A similar performance was being enacted by devotees in MV-72 village when, Jagdish - one of the participants - accidentally slipped and fell from a considerable height while demonstrating the ritual act. He was rushed to Kalimela hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Concerns over risky traditional practices

In a related development, another youth from MV-80 village sustained critical injuries after he too fell from a palm tree while participating in the ritual. He was seriously injured but survived the fall.

These incidents have raised concerns over the risks associated with such extreme traditional practices carried out in the name of faith.

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