Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, is rich in tribal culture and traditions. The tribal communities of Jharkhand celebrate numerous festivals that reflect their unique cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and close connection with nature. Here is a list of some of the prominent tribal festivals of Jharkhand:
- Sarhul
- Description: Celebrated by the Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes, Sarhul marks the arrival of the New Year and the blossoming of the Sal tree. It is a spring festival that involves rituals to honor nature and the village deities.
- Time of Celebration: March or April.
- Karma
- Description: The Karma festival is dedicated to the Karam tree, which symbolizes fertility and prosperity. It is celebrated with dancing, singing, and rituals to invoke blessings for a good harvest.
- Time of Celebration: August or September.
- Tusu Parab
- Description: This is a harvest festival celebrated primarily by the Kurmi and other farming communities. It involves singing folk songs called ‘Tusu songs’ and making colorful Tusu idols.
- Time of Celebration: January (during Makar Sankranti).
- Mage Parab
- Description: Celebrated by the Ho tribe, Mage Parab is a festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It involves rituals, feasts, and traditional dances.
- Time of Celebration: January.
- Sohrai
- Description: This is a harvest festival celebrated by several tribes, including the Santhal, Munda, and Oraon. It coincides with Diwali and involves the worship of cattle, house cleaning, and mural paintings.
- Time of Celebration: October or November.
- Bandna
- Description: Also known as Bandna Parab, it is celebrated by the Santhal tribe to thank the cattle for their contribution to agriculture. The festival includes cattle decoration, singing, and dancing.
- Time of Celebration: October or November.
- Jani Shikar
- Description: Celebrated by the women of the Santhal tribe, Jani Shikar is a unique festival where women dress as warriors and perform mock hunts to commemorate the bravery of their ancestors.
- Time of Celebration: January.
- Bhagta Parab
- Description: Known for its extreme physical feats, this festival is celebrated by the Oraon tribe. Devotees perform various acts of penance and participate in dances to honor Lord Shiva.
- Time of Celebration: March or April.
- Hal Punhya
- Description: Celebrated by the Oraon tribe, Hal Punhya marks the beginning of the agricultural year. It involves rituals to invoke blessings for a good harvest.
- Time of Celebration: January.
- Rohin
- Description: Celebrated by the Munda tribe, Rohin is a festival that marks the start of the agricultural season. It involves the sowing of seeds and rituals to ensure a good harvest.
- Time of Celebration: June.
- Ero
- Description: Celebrated by the Santhal tribe, Ero marks the end of the harvest season. It involves rituals, community feasts, and traditional dances.
- Time of Celebration: December or January.
- Makar Sankranti
- Description: While it is a pan-Indian festival, in Jharkhand, it has unique tribal rituals and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by various tribes. It marks the end of the winter solstice.
- Time of Celebration: January.
These festivals not only highlight the cultural richness of Jharkhand’s tribal communities but also emphasize their deep connection with nature and agricultural cycles. Each festival is characterized by specific rituals, songs, dances, and community activities that reflect the tribe’s unique traditions and beliefs.