Jharkhand’s most significant tribal festival, Sarhul, was celebrated with religious zeal and traditional fervor on Tuesday, drawing large crowds across the state.
Dressed in colourful ethnic attire, people gathered in the streets, participating in vibrant processions that showcased their rich cultural heritage. The festival, deeply rooted in nature worship, saw enthusiastic participation from the tribal communities, including the Oraon, Munda, and Ho tribes, who paid homage to the Sal tree and expressed gratitude to Mother Nature for providing sustenance and shelter.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with his MLA wife Kalpana Soren, took part in Sarhul rituals at the Tribal College Hostel in Ranchi’s Karam Toli. Speaking on the occasion, Soren emphasised the significance of festivals in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening communal bonds.
He highlighted how Sarhul has been celebrated for generations, with ancestors ensuring that its traditions remain intact. Stressing the need to uphold these customs, he planted a Sakhua tree on the hostel premises, symbolising the deep connection between the festival and environmental conservation.
The chief minister also joined in the festivities by dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments such as the dhol and mandar, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Marking the occasion with a significant announcement, the Jharkhand government declared a two-day state holiday for Sarhul, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the tribal community. Soren took to social media to share the news, stating that, given the festival's immense cultural and religious importance, the government had officially approved the holiday starting this year.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also extended his greetings on Sarhul, calling it a festival that underscores the need for environmental conservation. He urged people to take a pledge to protect and promote nature, emphasising the festival's spiritual connection with ecological preservation.
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Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren also participated in the rituals, performing traditional prayers at Sarna Toli in Ranchi’s Hatma.
Sarhul, often referred to as the spring festival, began with early morning rituals led by tribal priests known as 'pahans.' A key highlight of the festival was the traditional rain prediction ceremony, in which two earthen pitchers filled with water were placed under a Sal tree and left overnight at the Sarna Sthal.
Based on these age-old forecasting methods, priest Jaglal Pahan predicted that Jharkhand might experience rainfall slightly below normal levels this year.
As part of the celebrations, grand Shobha Yatras (processions) were taken out from various locations, passing through Ranchi’s iconic Albert Ekka Chowk. The processions featured energetic dance performances, traditional songs, and the beating of drums, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.
The three-day festival, which begins on the third day of the Chaitra month, remains a testament to Jharkhand’s deep-rooted tribal traditions and the community’s unwavering reverence for nature.
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