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Pandum or Parad
Festival
 Confined to the Abujhmarias of Bastar, the Pandum festival is observed through the community hunt. Before starting for the hunting expedition, donations are made by the Hill
Marias for a rich game and the safe return of the hunters.
In the month of Phalguna the other tribes of Bastar arrange hunting expeditions which continue for many days. Ceremonial hunts are believed to help a rich harvest of animals in the forest and a bumper crop.
There are various types of Parad. Birds are hunted in the Chidayi Parad and small animals are killed in the
Chotti Parad. In Beej Parad, weapons are sanctified and seeds are brought. Deities are propitiated and the nature of the hunt is predicted by Perma, the village sorcerer.
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