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Sarhul Festival
Sarhul, one of the important festivals of Ranchi, celebrated during the spring
season (February-March) marks the beginning of the new year. The festival is
celebrated to worship the deity of the village, who is considered to be
the protector of the tribal communities mainly Santhals and Oraons. The tribals
also worship trees, environment and other elements of nature during the festival.
According to them, if environment is lost, then there will be no existence for
humans or animals.
It is also the season when the Sal trees get new leaves and flowers. The deities
are adorned with sal flowers which are known as Shalony or Shalai. These flowers
considered, a lucky charm of the festival are distributed to every villager
by 'Pahan', the priest of the village. Sarhul is also celebrated as the festival
of sowing seeds and, reproduction as it is regarded as the beginning of wedding
season.
The main attraction of the festival is its colourful procession. Tribal men,
women and children wear their traditional and colourful dresses and perform
their traditional music and dance around trees. It represents brotherhood and
friendship among villagers. A 'prasad' called Handia or diang (beer made out
of mixture of rice, water and some tree leaves) served in leaf cups is distributed
among villagers. Large number of people attend this festival with great fervor
and joy.
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