As different communities celebrate Diwali in various ways, this tribal community in Chhattisgarh observes the festival of lights by feeding cows and bulls rice beer, locally known as hadiya and drinking the same liquor themselves.

Diwali for the Manjhi community in Mainpat and Surguja is celebrated by worshipping cows and bulls, followed by feeding the livestock with hadiya, a local traditional rice beer .

Hadiya is made by first cooking rice and then adding wild herbs. This mixture is sealed in an earthen pot and left to ferment for about five days. Though hadiya is formed at this point, it is typically consumed 24 hours after its full preparation.

Known for their folk traditions and customs, members of the community said the preparations span eight days before Diwali. Starting

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