In Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, farmers still begin sowing their paddy crop strictly in keeping with a centuries-old tradition. Local experts say that before the arrival of the monsoon, the ritual of ‘Muth’ is performed in every household in the village. This tradition reflects people’s deep attachment to both nature and farming. For it, farmers first wait for an auspicious moment, and then use a basket woven from bamboo, commonly called ‘Murri’. In this basket the farmers place 5 handfuls of paddy and, after bathing before sunrise, purify it by sprinkling turmeric-mixed water. This very process is known as ‘Muth nikalna’ (drawing out the Muth).
Farming Begins With Five Handfuls of Paddy at an Auspicious Time
In Surguja and the surrounding rural areas, this tradition of ‘Muth nikalna’ before starting paddy cultivation is still observed with full devotion and faith. Local expert Sikandar Prajapati explains that the ritual has been passed down from their ancestors and elders, which is why the villagers do not abandon it even today. In the process of drawing out the Muth, farmers first select an auspicious date and time. After that, five handfuls of old paddy seeds are set aside and placed in a special bamboo basket known in the local language as ‘Murri’.
After Purification With Turmeric, the Paddy Is Sown in the Field
According to the tradition, farmers bathe in the morning before sunrise. After this, the paddy seeds kept in the Murri are purified by sprinkling turmeric-mixed water on them. The farmers then take a pot of water and the paddy seeds to the field and carry out the first planting there. This entire process is called ‘Muth nikalna’.
Paddy Sowing Begins Only After the Muth Is Drawn
According to rural belief, the work of sowing paddy is started only after the Muth has been drawn, and farmers regard it as the beginning of the new farming season. Even today, people in the villages follow this tradition and associate it with a good harvest and prosperity.
Villagers Preserving the Legacy of Their Ancestors
According to Sikandar Prajapati, this is not merely a religious or cultural tradition but the legacy of their ancestors. That is why, even in this era of modern farming, villagers continue to observe this tradition with complete faith. He claims that in many parts of the country, including Surguja and Bastar, such traditions are still prevalent, reflecting people’s deep bond with farming and nature.
