A series of awareness and outreach activities are being organised across Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district as part of the National Cooperation Week, with the week-long campaign set to conclude on July 6 with a closing ceremony promoting the use of alternative fertilisers and strengthening cooperative institutions.

According to the district administration, the programme is being conducted through various Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) to raise awareness about the role of cooperatives in rural development, agricultural growth and farmers' welfare.

The week-long campaign began on June 30 with a meeting of the District Cooperative Development Committee, where discussions focused on the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and cooperative societies in enhancing farmers' income.

On July 1, demonstrations on the use of drones for spraying liquid fertilisers were organised along with awareness sessions on crop companions and soil health management. Farmers were also introduced to modern agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity.

As part of the campaign, farmers visited model cooperative societies on July 2 to gain practical knowledge of successful cooperative operations. Cooperative societies also distributed Micro ATMs, Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and RuPay KCC cards to eligible beneficiaries to improve financial inclusion in rural areas.

Activities on July 3 included plantation drives and cleanliness campaigns, while awareness was also created through the circulation of the monthly publication 'Sahkari Samachar' issued by the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Union.

On July 4, health camps were organised at Jan Aushadhi Kendras operated by cooperative societies. Educational institutions also participated in the campaign through essay writing, painting and quiz competitions on the theme of cooperation on July 5, encouraging students to understand the importance of the cooperative movement.

The week-long programme will conclude on July 6 with a seminar on the use of alternative fertilisers, followed by a grand closing ceremony. Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the spirit of cooperation among farmers and rural communities while promoting self-reliance through cooperative institutions.

The district administration believes the campaign will help increase public awareness about cooperative schemes, encourage greater participation in cooperative societies and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. Officials have also appealed to members of the Cooperation Department and the public to participate in large numbers in the concluding event.

While the rest of India follows the lunar calendar to celebrate the festival of colors, Salheona village in Chhattisgarh adheres to a much stricter, more mysterious rule. Located in the Baramkela block of the Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, this community of 2,500 residents ignores the national holiday unless it falls specifically on a Tuesday or a Saturday.

For over a century, the people of Salheona have bypassed traditional dates to protect their homes from a localized "curse" that once threatened to burn their entire settlement to the ground.

The Haunting History: Why the Date Changed

The Salheona village Holi tradition isn't born out of mere preference, but out of historical necessity. According to village elders, nearly a hundred years ago, the village was plagued by spontaneous fires every time Holi was celebrated on its standard calendar date.

"Years ago, fires would break out suddenly during Holi. It would jump from one house to another, causing massive destruction," says Bhagra Sidar, a village elder. "This happened consecutively for three to four years, leaving the community in terror."

Desperate for a solution, the ancestors sought the counsel of Brahm Avdhut sages. The holy men suggested that the village perform a special "Shanti Yagna" (peace ritual) exclusively on a Tuesday or Saturday to appease the local deities and ward off the fire spirits. Since that day, the village has never looked back.

Rituals Before the Colors: A Day of Devotion

In Salheona, the festivities don't begin with a splash of water, but with hours of solemn prayer. Even if the rest of the state is covered in gulal, Salheona waits for its designated day.

• The Eve of Holi: Holika Dahan is performed with strict Vedic rituals only on the night preceding the chosen Tuesday or Saturday.

• The Morning Ritual: At 10:00 AM on the festival day, the entire village gathers for a two-hour ceremony involving Havan and Purnahuti (final offerings).

• The Celebration: Only after the religious smoke clears—usually around noon—does the community begin applying colors, continuing the celebration until sunset.

A Tradition Embraced by the New Generation

In an era of rapid modernization, one might expect the youth to rebel against such specific constraints. However, in Salheona, the sentiment is quite the opposite. Local Panchayat member Nandkumar Sarathi notes that the fear of "An-honi" (unfavorable incidents) keeps the tradition alive.

"The younger generation follows these rules with the same devotion as our ancestors," Sarathi explains. "We believe that skipping these rituals or playing on the 'wrong' day could invite disaster back into our homes."

Why It Matters Today

This unique tradition highlights the diverse tapestry of Chhattisgarh unique festivals. In a world where cultural practices are often homogenized, Salheona serves as a living museum of how local folklore and history shape modern life. It reminds us that for many communities in India, faith is not just about celebration—it is about protection and communal harmony.

As the 2026 Holi season approaches, while experts debate the exact Muhurta for March 4th, the residents of Salheona will simply be looking at their weekly calendar, waiting for a Tuesday or Saturday to bring their village to life.