Sarhul, a joyful and culturally important festival, brings communities together to celebrate spring, honor nature and express gratitude. The festival is marked by vibrant colors, lively dancing, mesmerizing musical compositions, and elaborate rituals. The festival offers an insight into the rich culture and traditions of tribal communities from Jharkhand. The photo story captures festival spirit by highlighting rituals, cultural practices, and traditions of this beautiful and distant location.
#1
Sarhul is a spring festival that celebrates “tree worship”. The festival marks the beginning of the New Year, and it allows tribes to express their love for nature. The festival begins with trees and other objects of nature being venerated. The tribes revere trees as they see them as a symbol of life, and pray for their blessings to be prosperous and healthy.
#2
It is interesting to learn about the mythology surrounding Sarhul.
According to one story, the celebration began when some people were lost in a wood and could not find their way out. The tribes prayed to trees and natural forces for guidance, and miraculously, they found the way out. From that day on, the tribes began to worship trees and other elements of nature as a way to express their gratitude.
#3
Around a Sal tree, tribe members dance and sing. The priest Pahan is carried by one man in the middle as they dance around the Sal tree. The men wear traditional clothing, including red and white turbans and dhotis and kurtas. All of them are smiling and laughing with faces filled with energy and excitement.
The tribes have a strong sense of culture and tradition that is rooted in Sarhul. During the multiple days of celebration, the tribes perform a number of rites.
#4
A small Sal tree branch is placed behind the Pahan’s right ear and vibrant colors are painted on his cheeks and forehead. This adds a touch to tradition and divinity in the Sarhul Festival.
The tribes serve rice beer as a sign of respect to the ancestral spirits, believing that the spirits will visit them at the event.
#5
A man in his 80s is carrying a Hadiya on his aluminum pots. A man in traditional clothing is wearing a white dhoti and a turban. His face is wrinkled and weathered, showing a lifetime’s worth of wisdom and experience.
Sarhul cuisine is also a significant aspect. Tribes make a variety delicacies using local ingredients. Dhuska is a deep-fried rice and lentil pancake. Charpa is another popular dish.
#6
Women perform the beautiful Lota Pani ritual, washing and cleansing the Pahans’ feet as they return to the sacred Sarna Puja Sthal. This adds a touch grace and reverence during the festival.
Sarhul is not complete without the veneration of Sal trees. Sal tree is venerated during the event as it is considered sacred by the tribes. Sal tree is revered as the abode of the spirits of the tribes. They pray and sacrifice to it to receive their blessings.
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#8
Sarhul is also a place where music and dance are popular. Dance is a way that the tribes express their joy and excitement. Jhumar is a dance performed by the Munda Tribe. The energetic and vibrant dancing is accompanied by drums and other traditional musical instruments.
#9
Sarhul’s many celebrations and rites made me deeply touched by the strong connection between the tribes and nature. This celebration is a good reminder that we are all part of nature and should protect and cherish it. I also left the village feeling more appreciative of our country and its diversity.
#10
Sarhul is an important festival for the tribes of Jharkhand. It celebrates nature and its beauty. This event is a great reminder of the importance of protecting nature and our relationship with it.