Long ago, in the Nicobar Islands, there were two villages named Kimiyukh and Farrakka. Kimiyukh was led by Chief Elhat and Farrakka by Chief Hoko. Not far from these villages was the island of Chawra, whose residents had amicable relations with both villages. The people of Chawra crafted ‘Horis’ (small boats) and sold them to the villagers of Kimiyukh and Farrakka in exchange for knives, pigs, and cloth.

One time, the Chawra people sold their Horis at exorbitant prices to the villagers of Kimiyukh. This angered the villagers, who decided to seek revenge. A few days later, they tricked the Chawra people by trading 500 wooden knives, 100 dummies, 200 pigs, and some cloth for 12 Horis. The knives were so skillfully painted that they appeared to be made of iron.

Initially, the Chawra people were pleased with the deal, thinking they had obtained the knives cheaply. However, upon reaching their village, they realized they had been deceived and sought revenge.

Soon after, the Chawra villagers sent a Hori loaded with fruits as a gift to Kimiyukh and Farrakka. Elated by the gift, the villagers organized a grand feast, where ten pigs were slaughtered for the celebration. Everyone, except for one old man and a girl, feasted on the meat and fruits. Unbeknownst to them, the fruits were poisonous, and all who consumed them perished. No one knew how they had died.

Rejoicing upon hearing of the villagers’ deaths, the Chawra people celebrated. However, the old man who survived realized the Chawra people’s deceit. He condemned their actions, which led the Chawra people to feel remorseful. They organized the Hori Festival to pray for the souls of the deceased.

To this day, the Nicobar Islands observe this mourning festival, known as the ‘Osari Festival’.

A Folkstory from Andaman and Nicobar Islands sourced from a book titled ‘Andaman Nicobar Ki Lok Kathayen’ compiled by Balram Agarwal.

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