Early Civilizational Influence on Jharkhand

No concrete evidence of the Indus Valley Civilization in Chotanagpur.
Pre-Aryan civilization was a blend of Dravidian elements.
Contributions of Dravidians:
- Worship of Lord Shiva as Mahadev
- Worship of Mother Goddess
- Beginnings of trade and governance systems

Evolution of Society and Governance

Sparse population in ancient times
Initial agriculture based on slash-and-burn (jhum) farming
Influence of Buddhist and Jain monks on tribal life
Rise of Parha Panchayat, Pahan, and Munda as social regulators
Aryan influence introduced Brahmanism and priesthood
Arrival of Nagvanshis introduced monarchy
Growth of merchant, artisan, and administrative classes
During Mughal period:
- Emergence of middle class
- Roles like Chaudhary, Mukadam, Ghatwari, Diwan created
Entry of outsiders disrupted Khutkatti village autonomy

Tribal Social Organization

A. Oraon Tribe – Parha System

Parha: A group of villages forming a single administrative unit
Parha Raj: Headed by Parha Raja
Roles:
- Parha Raja – King
- Diwan – Prime Minister
- Panari – Assistant
- Kotwar – Messenger

B. Munda Tribe – Manki System

Similar to Parha, but the chief is called Manki
Village chief known as Munda
Original land settlers known as Bhuinhar
Bhuinhar Khunt refers to their lineage
Key roles: Mahto, Pahan, Naigas

C. Khuntkatti Villages

Villages established by original settlers (Khuntkattidars)
Owned by families who cleared and settled the land

Other Tribal Governance Structures

A. Ho Tribe (Singhbhum)

Larger unit called Pir (cluster of 5–20 villages)
Chief of Pir: Manki

B. Santal Tribe

Social unit: Pargana (cluster of villages)
Leaders:
- Pargana/Parganait – Regional head
- Manjhi – Village head
- Godaet – Priest
- Sardar – Highest social authority

C. Primitive Tribes: Birhor, Korba, Pahariya, Hill Kharia

Less culturally developed; rely on hunting and gathering
Social unit: Tanda (family cluster)
- Head: Naya/Naiya
Korba Tribe:
- Chief: Mukhiya
- Chiefs from multiple villages elect a Badmukhiya
Hill Kharia (Sabar):
- Head: Pradhan
- Assistant: Godaet

Kinship System in Tribal Society

Kinship binds individuals through blood or social recognition. Tribal kinship often surpasses biological connections.

A. Definitions by Sociologists

Charles Winick: Kinship includes all socially recognized relations based on real or imagined blood ties.
Robin Fox: Kinship is the bond among those with actual or perceived biological ties.

B. Types of Kinship

Blood-based (Consanguineous):
- Parent-child, siblings
Marriage-based (Affinal):
- Husband-wife, in-laws

C. Kinship Classification

Primary Kin: Father-son, brother-sister, mother-daughter
Secondary Kin: Uncle-nephew, grandmother-grandchild (33 types)
Tertiary Kin: Great-grandparents, cousins of cousins (151 types)

Gotra and Totem System

A. What is Gotra?

A lineage or clan tracing ancestry from a common forebear
Either matrilineal or patrilineal, not both
Basis for social identity and marriage rules

B. Gotra Structure

Bhratridal: Group of several gotras
Gotrardh: Half of the total gotras in a tribe
Janajati: Tribe made up of multiple gotras

C. Cultural Basis

Among Hindus: Named after sages (Rishis)
Among Tribals: Named after plants, animals, birds, or nature elements

D. Functions of Gotra

Religious identity for worship
Regulates social behavior and group norms
Provides group security
Prevents close-relative marriages (exogamy)
Decides land ownership and inheritance
Determines succession and responsibilities

Totemism in Tribal Life

Each Gotra has a symbolic animal, plant, or object (totem)
Totem is sacred and not harmed by the Gotra members
Example: Kachhap Gotra (turtle) → Turtle is the totem
Respect, veneration, and protection of the totem is central to Totemism

Social Structure of Jharkhand: Traditions, Taboos, and Marriage Systems Among Tribes

Social Taboos and Prohibitions

Taboos are not unique to tribal societies; they are observed across various communities globally.
In tribal communities, prohibitions can relate to:
- Marriage customs
- Food habits
- Sexual relations
- Religious and social conduct
Violating these taboos is believed to invoke supernatural punishment.
Adherence to such rules is practiced with seriousness among tribal groups.

Common Prohibitions Among Tribes

Totem Worship and Clan Rules:
- The clan totem is sacred; harming it is forbidden.
- Marriage within the same gotra (clan) is strictly prohibited.
Gender-based Restrictions:
- Ho women are not allowed to plough or touch farming tools.
- Santal women cannot enter the Manjhi Than (sacred altar).
- Munda women:
  - Do not sow paddy.
  - Cannot climb or touch the thatched roof.
  - Are not allowed to visit cremation grounds.
  - Married daughters cannot consume Sarhul festival offerings.
Menstrual Taboos:
- Similar to Hindu practices, menstruating women are restricted from religious sites.

Purpose of Taboos (Madan & Majumdar)

Productive – To ensure optimal agricultural output.
Protective – To safeguard individuals or communities.
Restrictive – To prevent harm to others.

Marriage Customs Among Tribes of Jharkhand

General Practices

Exogamy: Marriages occur outside one’s village, clan, or totem group.
Endogamy: Typically practiced within the same tribe.
Bride Price (Vadhū Mūlya): Commonly paid before marriage.
Remarriage and Polygamy: Permitted in various tribes.
Prohibited Practices:
- Close-kin or same-gotra marriages.
- Certain clan-related relationships are off-limits.

Marriage Types by Tribe

Munda Tribe

Originally practiced adult marriage; child marriage emerged later.
Groom must visit the bride’s family; bride price is agreed upon.
Types of marriages:
- Haran Marriage: Abduction from a fair or market.
- Hatth Marriage: Forceful entry by the bride into the groom’s house.
- Seva Marriage: Groom serves the bride’s family in lieu of bride price.
- Widow & Divorcee Remarriage: Permitted.

Oraon Tribe

No child marriage.
Parents choose the bride and fix the terms.
Madwa Ceremony: Involves sindoor daan at the altar.

Santal Tribe

Strict Gotra Rules: Same-gotra marriages prohibited.
Monogamy is common.
Breaking gotra taboos leads to Bitlaha (social excommunication).
Widow and levirate/sororate marriages allowed.
Marriage types:
- Sadai Bapla
- Golaeti Bapla
- Dunki Dipil Bapla
- Ghardi Jawai Bapla
- Apgir Bapla
- Itut Bapla
- Nirbolok Bapla
- Bahadur Bapla
- Sanga Bapla
- Kiring Jawai Bapla

Asur Tribe

Cross-gotra marriages common.
Parental involvement in fixing marriages.
Bride price customary.
Remarriage and divorce accepted.
In some cases, couples live together without formal marriage.

Birhor Tribe

Arranged marriages by parents.
Close-kin marriages forbidden.
Marriage occurs during youth.

Korwa Tribe

Monogamy practiced.
Marriage arranged by parents.
Gifts like saree, sweets, and bride price mandatory.
Love and elopement marriages are accepted.

Ho Tribe

Youth have the right to choose partners.
Child marriage absent, but polygamy allowed.
Andi Marriage: Considered most prestigious.
Other types include:
- Diku Andi
- Raji Khushi
- Ander Marriage
Widow marriage with elder brother’s wife allowed.

Kharia Tribe

Inter-gotra marriage forbidden.
Widow and sister-in-law marriages permitted.
Common types: Purchase, Exchange, Abduction

Kisan & Bhumij Tribes

One-man, one-wife custom.
Marriages occur in adulthood.

Chero Tribe

Marriage occurs within the caste.
Types include:
- Dola
- Gharau
- Churau
Dola and Gharau common among the poor.

Kharwar Tribe

Child marriage considered ideal.
Bride price is standard.
Remarriage is accepted.

Specific Types of Tribal Marriages in Jharkhand

Seva Marriage: Groom lives with and serves the bride’s family (5–6 years) if he can’t afford the bride price. Common among Mundas, Santals, Birhors.
Elopement Marriage: Youths elope when denied parental approval. Later accepted by families. Found in Munda, Kharia, Birhor tribes.
Haran (Abduction) Marriage: Girl is taken from fairs or markets—usually based on mutual affection. Found among Kharia, Birhor, Munda, and Sauria Pahariya.
Hatth (Forceful) Marriage: Girl forcefully enters the boy’s home without prior approval. If she refuses to leave, marriage is accepted under pressure. Seen among Munda, Ho, Kharia, Birhor.
Exchange Marriage (Golti): Two families exchange siblings for marriage.

Youth Dormitories (Yuvagriha) in Tribal Life

Often misunderstood as sexual institutions due to superficial research.
In reality, they serve as training centers for:
- Marital responsibilities
- Clan knowledge
- Social and cultural duties
Such dormitories exist in various primitive societies globally.
Anthropologist Malinowski described similar practices in the Trobriand Islands.
Scholar Grigson stated they function as educational institutions for young boys and girls.

Theories of Origin

Created to prevent incest and avoid youth witnessing parental intimacy.
Offered protection to adolescents from wild animals and enemies in nomadic or hunting tribes.
Provided communal living spaces for structured cultural education.

Youth Dormitories and Tribal Cultural Practices in Jharkhand

Tribal youth dormitories (Yuvagrihas) in Jharkhand serve as centers for social, cultural, and sexual education, preparing young boys and girls for marital life through teachings from elders.
These dormitories are both unisexual and co-ed and aim to instill societal norms and responsibilities.
Types of Tribal Youth Dormitories:
- Giti or Gitiora (Mundas, Ho, Asurs, Sauria Paharias): Hut-like structures outside villages; managed by elderly women; educate youth on laws, social conduct, and marriage.
- Dhumkudiya or Bhumshukriya (Oraons):
  - Three-stage system:
    - Punna Jonkhar (ages 10–11)
    - Majturiya Jonkhar (ages 15–16)
    - Koha Jonkhar (ages 20–21, until marriage)
  - Hierarchical service structure among stages.
  - Boys’ dorm: Jonkhedpa; Girls’ dorm: Pelloyedpa
  - Girls join on Magh Purnima, called Ghangra, divided into:
    - Sanni Pellar (1st year)
    - Chaurha Jonkhar (2nd year)
    - Koha Pellar (3rd year)
  - Belief: Sexual contact doesn’t result in pregnancy; if it does, it’s divine will (Dharmes) and leads to marriage.
- Tanda (Birhor, Korwa): Community cluster with at least one youth dormitory hut; Bhuiyans call it Dhagarawas.
- Ghotul (Santals):
  - Located on village outskirts; thatched, mud-walled huts; walls adorned with symbolic art.
  - Led by Siredar; youths enter once a year.
  - Education in values like service, ideal living, sexuality, and social unity.
  - Evening includes music, dance, and pairing off to spend the night together; vacated by sunrise.

Decline of Youth Dormitories

Decline due to Christian missionary discouragement, urbanization, industrialization, and cultural dilution from interaction with non-tribal groups.
Migration of groups like Cheros, Kharwars, Santals to Jharkhand led to displacement of original tribes like Birhors and Khariyas.
Contact with Hindus and Muslims introduced caste systems, idol worship, Brahmanical rituals, and dietary changes.
Traditional deities like Singbonga and Ori Bonga became idolized; Shiva and Parvati became Boga and Chandi Bonga; the Kharias named the Sun god Bela Bhagwan.
Practices like sindoor, fasting, ceremonial bathing, and Hindu-style fairs (Jatra Melas) were adopted.
Clothing and jewelry evolved: turbans, saris, lehengas, kangans, and balis became common; in turn, non-tribals adopted tribal customs like Bahurata, Senayijira, and jewelry such as Hasuli, Tarki, and Churla.

Impact of British Rule

Industrialization led to tribal displacement from ancestral lands; many became laborers in cities and tea gardens of Assam.
Result: Tribal population density decreased in core areas but expanded geographically.
Sanskritization took hold—tribes like Cheros, Kharwars, Bhuiyas, and Bhumijs began identifying as Rajputs.
A tribal middle class emerged from land loss, especially affecting Mundas and Mankis.
Missionaries enforced moral codes against polygamy and free sexuality, triggering resistance that later turned into reform movements.

Food Habits of Tribes

Mundas: Rice and dal; poor ones ate gondli, madua, and maize; preferred drink was Handia (rice beer).
Oraons: Similar diet with meat and fish; also favored Handia.
Santals: Ate Daka Urad (dal-rice with vegetables), Marh-bhaat, Jondra Daka (maize gruel), Sattu, Chura, and Moodi.
Asurs: Consumed forest produce—roots, fruits, meat.
Chero Tribe: Diet of rice, barley, sesame, urad, madua, kurthi, Jinora; mostly vegetarian but some occasionally ate meat.

Clothing and Ornaments

Mundas: Men wore Batohi, elderly wore Bhagwana, youth tied Karghani around waists, used Kota blankets in winter; women wore small sarees (Pariya) or lehengas.
Oraons: Similar to Mundas.
Santals: Wore Kupni, Kancha, Panchi, Parhand, Dahadi, Patka; women used brass, bronze, and copper ornaments; tattooing once common.
Cheros: Originally kept upper body bare, later adopted saris, frocks, and shirts due to external influence; used ornaments like Karnphool, Tarkul, Hasuli, Bajua, Karuna, Pakua, rings, and Bichhiya; tattooing was common.

Family and Social Structure

Most tribes are patriarchal, especially Mundas; men hold authority over property and decision-making; women handle cooking, weaving, and child care but have no property rights.

The Patriarchal Society and Tribal Festivals of Jharkhand

Patriarchal Social Structure in Jharkhand Tribes

Most tribal communities in Jharkhand followed a patriarchal system. Here are the key features of their social and family structures:

General Features

Division of labor existed between men, women, and children.
Families could be nuclear or joint, led by the father.
Property rights:
- Inheritance was patrilineal.
- Sons inherited first, followed by unmarried daughters and then male relatives (pattidars).
Women:
- Managed household duties, fetched water, and assisted in farming and trade.
- Had limited roles in religious rituals, hunting, or council meetings in most tribes.
- Were responsible for buying and selling in weekly markets (haats).

Tribe-Specific Practices

Munda, Oraon, Santal: Similar structure of inheritance and labor division.
Asur Tribe:
- Daughters had no property rights.
- Widows had rights to maintenance only from their deceased husband’s assets.
Birhor Tribe:
- Patriarchal with unequal economic rights for women.
- Only men hunted; women had advisory roles in family matters.
Korwa Tribe:
- Patrilineal heritage.
- Women could advise but not own land.
Ho Tribe:
- Initially matriarchal, but shifted to patriarchal.
Kharia Tribe:
- Father held the highest authority in the family.
Chero Tribe:
- Inheritance limited to sons.
- Eldest sons sometimes received larger shares.
- In absence of sons, the daughter’s husband could stay as ghar-jamai with community consent.
Kharwar Tribe:
- Followed similar patrilineal and property customs.

Major Tribal Festivals of Jharkhand

Jharkhand’s tribal communities celebrate a rich variety of seasonal, agricultural, and spiritual festivals. Many of these reflect harmony with nature, village unity, and ancestral traditions.

Common Tribal Festivals

Munda Tribe: Sarhul, Karma, Jitiya, Manda, Diwali, Dussehra, Sohrai, Devdhan, Shivratri.
Oraon Tribe: Similar to Munda festivals; also celebrate Parha Jatra and Mundma Jatra.
Santal Tribe: Erok, Hariyar, Japaad, Sohrai, Sokarat, Bhagsim, Waha.
Asur Tribe: Sohrai, Sarhul, Pathua, Nawakhani.
Birhor Tribe: Karma, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Holi, Sarhul, and now also Raksha Bandhan.
Korwa Tribe: Sarhul, Karma, Chaitnami.
Mero Tribe: Ram Navami, Sarhul, Hariyari, Karma, Anant Puja.
Ho Tribe: Maghe, Henre, Waha.
Kharwar Tribe: Fagua, Dussehra, Chhath, Holi, Diwali, Karma, Sarhul, Nawakhani.

Detailed Festival Descriptions

a. Fagua (Tribal Holi)

Celebrated on the last full moon of Phalgun and first day of Chaitra.
A branch of Semal or Erand is planted and lit at night.
Tribal drums like Mandar, Nagara, Dhak are played throughout the night.
Ash is used to mark the forehead in the morning.
Offerings include Handia (rice beer), chicken sacrifice, and salt-less traditional foods like Pua, Dhuska, Barra, and Chilka.
Colors (Abir) are applied respectfully: elders’ feet, women’s saree corners, children’s cheeks.
A time of forgiveness and unity, followed by communal hunting and rituals.

b. Sarhul (Nature & Ancestor Worship)

Celebrated by Mundas, Oraons, Kharias, Santals, Ho, and others.
Marks spring and new vegetation using Sal flowers.
Worship performed under ancient trees (Sarna).
Rituals include Handia, chicken sacrifice, symbolic sun-earth marriage by Pahan and Pahanin.
Community meal: Khichdi (tahari), Handia.
Predictions made for monsoon rainfall using water levels in vessels.
Second day: Sal flowers distributed by the Pahan to every home.
Ongoing celebration across villages over an entire month.

c. Manda Festival (Devotion to Lord Shiva)

Begins on Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakh).
Devotees (Bhagats) follow strict fasts and rituals.
Assisted by a woman (Sokhtain) from the family.
Nighttime includes Chhau dance, fairs, and extreme penance like:
- Walking barefoot on burning embers.
- Being suspended upside down (Vasi).
- Swinging on 15–20 ft high wooden wheels (Charak Dang).
Bhagats’ colorful attire and group dances are a spectacle.
Non-tribal Sadans also participate in this Mahadev worship.

d. Dhan Buni (Sowing Festival)

Held on Manda day.
Five handfuls of paddy are sown using new baskets and cloth.
Farmers return without speaking, praying for a good harvest.
Handia and offerings shared among villagers.

e. Rog Khedna (Disease Expulsion Ritual)

Intended to banish illness from the village.
Pahan collects contributions, brews Handia.
Women clean courtyards and bring tools to Akhara.
Led by the Pahanin, items symbolizing disease are thrown beyond village limits.
Upon return, Handia is consumed with snacks as prasad.

f. Ashadhi Puja

Held in Ashadha month.
Performed after purifying homes and the courtyard or Akhara.
Black goat sacrificed as an offering to deities.

Festivals of Jharkhand: A Cultural Celebration Rooted in Nature and Community

Jharkhand’s tribal and non-tribal communities celebrate a rich array of traditional festivals that reflect their close ties with nature, agriculture, ancestral worship, and community life. Here’s a detailed overview of some of the most significant and unique festivals celebrated across the region:

Ashadhi Puja

Celebrated to protect villages from diseases like smallpox.
Villagers invite relatives and guests, share meals with sacrificial meat and rice beer (Handia).
Only men consume the meat from the animal’s head.
Observed collectively by both tribal and Sadan communities.

Sawan Puja

Held on Sawan Shukla Saptami.
A goat is sacrificed using communal funds and offered at the Devi Mandap.
The meat is distributed throughout the village.
Special dishes like kheer are prepared.
Offerings include Handia and sacred rice given to the ancestors.

Bahura (Raij Baharlak)

Celebrated on Bhadon Krishna Chaturthi by women.
Aimed at ensuring good rainfall and healthy offspring.
Features fasting and prayers, especially among elder women.

Kadleta

Observed before Karma Puja in the month of Bhadra.
The village priest (Pahan) collects rice and leads the community to cut branches from sacred trees.
Branches are worshipped in the Akhra.
A rooster is sacrificed, and rice-meat porridge is offered to the deity.
Branches are planted in fields to protect crops from disease.

Bhalwa Farek (Bhaakh Katek)

Held 2–3 days after Kadleta.
The Pahan performs rituals in every household using sacred items like coal, clay, rice, and eggs.
Draws destiny lines (Bhagyarekha) on the ground and interprets omens using sacred water.
Leftover offerings are buried in cow dung pits.
The priest is honored with raw food (rice, vegetables, lentils) and monetary gifts.

Chand Barek

Elder women observe a moon-avoidance fast for two nights in Bhadon Krishna Paksha.
Symbolic act involves throwing dung balls and clay lumps toward the moon in the dark.
A dying tradition with symbolic cleansing significance.

Karma Puja

The most prominent festival of Jharkhand, celebrated on Bhadon Shukla Ekadashi.
Women worship for the prosperity of their brothers.
Sprouted grains (Java) are sown 7 days prior using seven types of seeds.
On the main day, Karma branches are brought, planted, and worshipped.
A cucumber is symbolically sacrificed.
Elders narrate the legend of Karma-Dharma, emphasizing righteousness and good deeds.
Ends with all-night folk dance, drumming (Mandar), and celebration.
Brothers bring sisters from their in-laws’ homes—a symbol of sibling love.
Seen as a candidate for recognition as Jharkhand’s State Festival.

Nawakhani

Celebrated after Karma when the first rice harvest (Gondli/Goda) is ready.
The new grain is cleaned and pounded into Chura (flattened rice).
Offered to ancestors with Handia and curd.
A small but important harvest celebration shared with guests.

9. Jitiya

Held on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami by mothers praying for their sons’ long life.
Includes strict fasting and sprouting Java similar to Karma.
A symbolic Peepal branch is installed and a cucumber is offered.
Popular among both tribal and non-tribal communities.

Sohrai

Celebrated on Kartik Amavasya, similar to Diwali, but for cattle worship.
Cattle are bathed, decorated, and honored.
Animals receive Pakhwa, a special dish made from seven grains.
Sacrifices include a hen or pig, with rituals involving Mahua twigs and Handia.
Families make sweet Pithas using urad dal and rice flour.
Features cattle races and village fairs (Dair Mela).
Highlights the agrarian and animal-centric culture of the region.

Dev Uthan

Observed on Kartik Shukla Chaturdashi.
Homes are cleaned and decorated with Alpana (floor art).
Imaginary deity symbols are drawn with rice paste.
A stool (Pidi) is symbolically lifted five times to awaken the gods.
Marks the beginning of the marriage season in Jharkhand.

Khalihan Puja

Held before starting threshing in the harvest season.
A Ber twig is planted in the field.
A rooster is sacrificed, and Handia is offered.
Simple food and drink rituals are observed.

Marks the ritual beginning of bringing harvested grain into the home.
A handful of paddy is placed in the center of the threshing floor, facing east, with water sprinkled for sanctity.
Post this ritual, boiled paddy can be dried, which was prohibited earlier.
Observers maintain silence and avoid contact with others during this sacred act.

Aghani Puja

Performed in the month of Agahan after harvest.
Conducted by the village priest (Pahan), involving the symbolic cutting of the Bhelwa tree.
Traditional foods like roti, pitha, and Handia (rice beer) are shared in celebration.

Surajahi Puja

A sun-worship ritual exclusively for men.
Held in Agahan, involving the sacrifice of a white rooster and the offering of Handia.
The sacrificial meat is cooked with rice and consumed as blessed food.

Magh Manana

Celebrated in the month of Magh as agricultural activities end.
Farm helpers (Dhangers) are honored with gifts and food before departing.
Marks the formal closing of the farming season.

Deshauli (12-Year Festival)

A rare ancestral worship event held every 12 years.
A buffalo is sacrificed by the landholder.
Other annual sacrifices include pigs, goats, and chickens for different deities.
Offerings are made with a dona (leaf bowl) of Handia.

Jani Shikar (Women’s Hunt Festival)

A spectacular women’s festival held every 12 years.
Women dress as men, take up arms, and symbolically hunt animals in neighboring villages.
The captured animals are taken to the village square (Akhra), shared, and consumed.
Demonstrates female power and unity.

Bhai Bhikh (Sister’s Offering Festival)

Sisters collect grain from brothers’ households and invite them for a feast.
On the appointed day, sisters wash the brothers’ feet and serve roti, pitha, and meat dishes.
Celebrates sibling bonds and mutual respect.

Pato Sarna

An agricultural festival of the Kharia tribe during Vaishakh.
Buffalo or sheep and five roosters are sacrificed to the deities.
Milk is boiled at Sarna Sthal to predict rainfall for the season.
Marks the date for sowing paddy.

Saro Puja

Symbolizes the start of shared food culture between Kharias and Oraons.
Involves the sacrifice of a buffalo.

Sarna Puja

Conducted at sacred Sarna sites by Kharia tribes.
Five roosters are sacrificed, and offerings made using three inverted earthen pots.
The chief priest eats first, symbolizing divine approval, followed by the community.

Phagun Puja

Held to ward off evil spirits.
Sacrifices include roosters of red, black, white, and saffron colors.
Special flowers like sal, rose, gulai, and dhawai are offered to the deity Mahadaan Pat.
Rituals invoke blessings for rain and abundance.

Jadkor Puja

The most revered festival among the Kharias.
Extensive preparations begin months in advance.
Held at Sarna Sthal under a Sal or Mahua tree.
Five roosters are offered—four sacrificed, one released for spirits.
Offerings include fruits, rice, Handia, and flowers.
The priest is carried on shoulders around the village, blessing homes.
The head and liver of sacrificed roosters are cooked and eaten by the priest alone.

Lamlamna Festival

Celebrated the day after Jadkor Puja.
Involves hunting or fishing in the jungle.
Women honor returning hunters by washing their feet and serving Handia.
Observers fast the night before.

Kuti Dahan Puja

Performed to protect the village from disease and lightning.
A thatched hut (Kumba) is built near a path using branches of Semal and Rend.
Eggs, rice heaps, lamps, and sacred items are offered.
White roosters are sacrificed after symbolic feeding behavior is observed.
One rooster is offered to the Sun and Dharma Sakhis; another to the village deity.

“Jharkhand a complete study”