look news india
Whenever the echo of any big festival is heard in the lush green valleys, tribal culture and folk traditions of Jharkhand, the entire state gets drenched in colors of joy and enthusiasm. The great festival ‘Karma Puja’, which is considered a symbol of unwavering love for nature, sacred brother-sister relationship and wish for a good harvest, is currently being celebrated with full grandeur in the entire Jharkhand including the capital Ranchi. From Ranchi city to the rural areas, the beats of drums, drums and traditional Mandar are echoing everywhere, on which youth, elders and women of the tribal community are seen dancing. This unique sight of staying connected to one’s culture and roots amidst the race of modernity is captivating everyone. Let us know in detail what Karam Puja is, what is its relation with the culture of Jharkhand and what kind of enthusiasm is being seen regarding this festival in Ranchi.
Karam Puja is a very sacred and ancient festival celebrated mainly by the tribal communities of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha. This festival is mainly dedicated to the worship of nature and the importance of karma. During this festival, special worship is done to the branch of the Karam (Kadamba) tree, which is considered the vibrant energy of nature and a symbol of the deity. According to folklore, this festival is associated with the mythological story of two brothers named Karam and Dharam, underlining the primacy of karma in human life. Tribal society believes that nature is our true mother, which provides us food, water, air and all the resources of life, hence Karam Parva is organized to express gratitude towards nature.
A different atmosphere of splendor and celebration is being seen on the holy occasion of Karam Puja in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. Attractive decorations have been done at various squares and intersections of the city, tribal dominated areas and work places. When tribal young men and women perform traditional dance (Jhumar) on the beats of Dhol, Dhak, and traditional Mandar, the whole atmosphere becomes musical. People dressed in traditional clothes bring Karam Dali from the river or pond to their akhada and place of worship with rituals. People of the society participate with full enthusiasm in the cultural programs organized in the local parks and public grounds of Ranchi, which brings alive the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Along with worshiping nature, Karam Puja is also considered to be the biggest festival of sacred love and affection between brother and sister. This fast is mainly observed by sisters for the long life, good health, happiness and prosperity of their brothers and to remove all the troubles from their life. During the puja, the sisters keep fast and listen to the story in front of Karam ki Dali. On this occasion, brothers give gifts to their sisters and promise to protect them. This festival not only strengthens family bonds but also gives the message of mutual brotherhood and harmony in the society, which brings people closer to their loved ones in today’s busy lifestyle.
In today’s fast-paced and technological era, where the youth are moving away from their ancient culture, the Karam festival of Jharkhand proves how important it is to preserve one’s roots along with modernity. This festival is being promoted on a large scale by the state government and various cultural organizations so that the coming generations can feel proud of their folk art, music and traditions. Karam Puja is not just a religious ritual, but it is a reflection of the philosophy of life of the tribal society which teaches environmental protection and balance. This beat of Mandar, resonating in Ranchi and entire Jharkhand, will continue to tell the immortal story of love for nature in the times to come.