Sarhul Festival of Jharkhand 2025

The Sarhul Festival is an important celebration for Adivasi communities in the Chhotanagpur region, particularly in Jharkhand. In Jharkhand, Sarhul is a public holiday. In the year 2025, it falls on 01st of April, Tuesday. It marks the arrival of spring and signifies the start of the new year for these tribal groups. This festival, dedicated to the worship of the Sal tree, holds deep cultural and ecological significance. The Sal tree is revered as the abode of Sarna Maa, the village deity, and Sarhul symbolizes the harmonious union of the Sun and the Earth, essential for life. This celebration is rich in rituals, social unity, and political assertion, particularly in the context of Adivasi identity and rights.

Key Points about the Sarhul Festival

Meaning of Sarhul

• “Sarhul” translates to worship of the Sal tree, representing the union of the Sun and Earth which is vital for life.
• The Sal tree is considered sacred and is believed to be the abode of Sarna Maa, a village deity worshipped by Adivasi communities.

Celebration Duration

• The festival spans three days with significant activities and rituals observed each day.
• Day 1: Preparations such as cleaning of homes and Sarna Sthals (sacred groves), gathering Sal flowers, and the priest (pahan) observing a fast.
• Day 2: Main rituals at Sarna Sthals, including sacrifices, prayers for prosperity, and cultural performances.
• Day 3: Concludes with a community feast, featuring traditional Adivasi food, Handia (rice beer), and ceremonial fishing.

Communities Celebrating Sarhul

• Primarily celebrated by Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes.
• Due to migration, Sarhul is now celebrated in other regions like Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Historical and Political Significance

• The 1960s saw Baba Karthik Oraon, an Adivasi leader, initiate a Sarhul procession in Ranchi, marking the beginning of the festival’s modern-day importance.
• Over 60 years, Sarhul has evolved into a larger assertion of Adivasi identity and has become a platform for tribal rights and cultural preservation.
• Political Debate: Some groups demand the official recognition of the Sarna religion in India’s caste census, while others argue for inclusion within Sanatan Dharma.

Sacred Groves

• Sacred groves are forest patches protected by local communities due to their religious and cultural importance.
• These groves act as biodiversity hotspots and preserve rare plant and animal species.
• Human activities like hunting are restricted, but sustainable practices, such as honey collection, are permitted.

Sacred Groves in India

• Jharkhand and Bihar: Known as Sarna groves.
• Himachal Pradesh: Called Dev Van.
• Maharashtra: Referred to as Devrai or Deorai.
• Karnataka: Known as Devarakadu.
• Rajasthan: Called Oran.
• Meghalaya: Known as Law Kyntang.

Successful Environmental Initiatives

• Piplantri Village, Rajasthan: A village initiative where 111 trees are planted for every girl child born, helping to empower women and protect the environment.