MITU BHUKIYA

Mithu Bhukia  is revered among Banjaras as the god of power and fortune. It is said that he is venerated by the banjara dacoits as the cleverest dacoits known in the annals of banjara caste and a hut is usually set apart for him, in banjara hamlet with a white flag being planted before his hut. Before setting out for dacoity the men would assemble at the hut of Mithu Bhukia and light a lamp for him to ask for an omen. If the wick of the lamp dropped the omen was propitious, and the men would set-out at once on the raid, without returning home. They might not speak to each other. Challenged, for if any one spoke, charm would be broken and the protection of Mitu Bhukya removed, and they should either return, to take omens again or give-up that particular dacoity altogether. It has been recorded as characteristic trail of Banjaras, that they will as a rule, not answer, if spoken to when engaged in robbery and the custom, probably arises from this observance.

But the worship of this Mitu Bhukia is frequently neglected. After successful, dacoity a portion of the plunder has to be set apart for Mitu Bhukia; and of the balance, the Naik (the headman) receive two shares if he participated in the crime, the man who struck the first blow, or did the most to the common object received two share and all the rest one share each. With Mithu Bhukia's share, feast is given for all the participating men. For the success of the dacoity, incense is burned in his hut and liquor, poured over the flagstaff. A portion of food sent for the women and children and then men will set down to feast. Women are not allowed, to worship Mitu Bhukia or  to enter his hut.