Agartala: On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, when Pitamah Bhishma chooses to leave his mortal body and embrace salvation, the village of Salema situated in Tripura’s Dhalai district bursts with energy and excitement. The village comes alive with two unique rituals that have been celebrated for generations— “Burir Ghar” and “Hari’s Loot”. These age-old traditions connect the community through devotion, laughter, and shared memories.
The festivities begin the day before Makar Sankranti with the building of “Burir Ghar”. Villagers, young and old, work together to create a small temporary house made from bamboo, banana leaves, rice straws, bushes, and other natural materials. This house, though simple, becomes the center of attention, as families gather around for a picnic, share food, and enjoy each other’s company. Some children even stay inside the “Burir Ghar” overnight, excited for the next part of the celebration.
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“We get to sleep there with our friends and brothers, we tell stories, play games, and wait for the morning,” says 10-year-old Ayush Namasudra, a bright smile on her face.
As the first light of Makar Sankranti breaks, the children, wrapped in blankets against the early morning cold for their annual ritual of taking a cold winter bath. The shivers and laughter echo as they rush to cleanse themselves in the frigid waters, marking the start of the day’s spiritual journey.
“The bath is tough but fun, we have to do it to start the day the right way,” Ayush said.
Then, as the sun rises higher, the Burir Ghar is set on fire. The entire village gathers around to watch the small structure burn, a symbolic act representing Pitamah Bhishma’s final moments and the natural cycle of life and death. “The fire represents the end of one phase and the beginning of another, we burn it every year as a tribute to Bhishma,” says 80-year-old Nitai Namasudra, Ayush’s grandfather.
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After the fire, it’s time for the most awaited part of the celebration— “Hari’s Loot”. Kirtan groups, singing Hare Krishna and Hari Bol, travel from house to house with instruments like the “khul”, “kartal”, and “harmonium”, filling the air with sacred music. As they finish their singing, the householder, smiling and welcoming, throws a bowl of prasad—a mix of “batasha”, “tillai”, oranges, cucumber, and coconut—into the eager crowd.
Children, running and laughing, scramble to collect the sweet offerings, their faces lighting up with each handful of “batasha” they catch. “It’s like a treasure hunt! We all compete to see who can get the most,” exclaims another little boy from Salema village.
For the elders of Salema, Hari’s Loot is much more than a fun game. It is a link to the past, a reminder of their shared heritage. “This is the soul of our community, it’s a tradition that connects us all—young and old. It keeps the village alive with joy and devotion,” said a senior local resident.
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As the day progresses, the music continues, and the village fills with laughter and stories. Everyone, no matter their age, becomes part of the celebration, joining in the collective spirit of Makar Sankranti.
In Salema, these rituals are not simply customs; they are living, breathing traditions that tie the community together. Every year, as the fire of “Burir Ghar” burns and the prasad of “Hari’s Loot” is scattered across the village, Salema becomes more than just a place—it becomes a family, united by faith, love, and timeless traditions.
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