The boom of Sarhul in Jamshedpur, a unique confluence of nature and faith, the iron city danced to the beats of Maander:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Biggest natural festivals of Jharkhand ‘Sarhul’ Today the enthusiasm was at its peak in iron city Jamshedpur and its surrounding rural areas. On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Shukla Tritiya, the tribal society expressed its unwavering faith in nature by worshiping water, forest and land. Formal puja was performed by the Pahan (priest) at ‘Jaher Than’ and ‘Sarna Sthal’ located under the Sakhua (Sal) trees. During this time, the entire city seemed drenched in the echo of Maander and traditional songs.

Union of Nature and Man: Worship of Sakhua Flowers

Sarhul is not just a festival, but a great festival to express gratitude towards nature.

Importance of Sakhua: It is believed that when new flowers (Sarai flowers) bloom on Sakhua trees, the new year arrives. Pahan wished for happiness and prosperity by immersing the Sakhua flowers in the pure water of the pitcher.

Prophetic tradition: During the puja, by looking at the water level of the pitcher, predictions were made about the rain and crop conditions in the coming year, to which a large number of villagers gathered to listen.

Traditional clothes and beats of Mandar

Grand processions were taken out in areas like Karandih, Parsudih, Bagbera and Bistupur of Jamshedpur.

Red-White Panda: Tribal men and women were seen dressed in their traditional red-white paand (sari) and dhoti. Women displayed the beauty of nature by putting sakhua flowers in their judo.

Group dance: In the Akhara, young men and women danced collectively on the beats of Mandar, Nagara and Dhol. This scene became a symbol of community unity and joy.

Presence of political bigwigs

Considering the importance of the festival, there was a gathering of political personalities at various Sarna places in Jamshedpur. Local MLAs and public representatives also tapped their feet on the beats of Maander and wished the people a happy Sarhul. The administration had made tight security arrangements in view of the processions and traffic diversion was also implemented on many routes.

message of environmental protection

Sarhul’s message has become even more relevant in today’s times. During the puja, Pahan made the society pledge to protect trees and keep the environment clean. Prasad of ‘Handiya’ (traditional drink) and ‘Sarai’ flowers were distributed among the people, which further adds to the sweetness of the celebration.