Ranchi, March 5: The traditional “Baha Parab” is currently being celebrated in the tribal-dominated regions of Jharkhand. This significant festival of the Santhal tribal community is deeply rooted in nature, flowers, and unique communal traditions. Beginning on the fifth day of the month of Phagun, the festivities span an entire month across various villages, drawing large crowds of participants.
Beyond Jharkhand’s rural areas, the Santhal community in different states of India also joyfully celebrates this festival. Additionally, Santhals residing outside India, in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and the United States, partake in the Baha Parab with traditional enthusiasm. In the Santhali language, “Baha” translates to “festival of flowers.” This festival symbolizes social harmony and joy, akin to Holi, but instead of colors, it features the tradition of showering each other with water and flowers.
During this occasion, members of the Santhal community worship bows and arrows, perform traditional dances to the beats of drums and mandars, and celebrate collectively. On Thursday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren attended the “Baha Parab” held in his ancestral village of Nemra in the Ramgarh district. He participated in traditional rituals at the village’s “Jaher Than” (place of worship), praying for the prosperity and happiness of the state’s people.
Accompanied by villagers, the Chief Minister made a foot procession to the Jaher Than, where the rituals were conducted according to Santhal traditions. The religious ceremonies were led by the village’s Naike (priest) Chaitan Tudu and Kudum Naike (assistant priest) Chhotu Besra, following traditional practices. Upon the Chief Minister’s arrival, a large number of villagers gathered from Nemra and surrounding areas, arriving at the Jaher Than in a festive procession accompanied by traditional musical instruments.
During the festivities, the Chief Minister also participated by playing the mandar, boosting the villagers’ spirits. The Baha Parab holds significant cultural importance in the Santhal community. The individual conducting the rituals is referred to as “Naiki Baba,” who distributes sacred offerings of Sal, Mahua, and Sakhua flowers after the prayers. This festival also marks the beginning of wedding ceremonies within the Santhal community. In some regions, traditional hunting and communal feasting follow the Baha celebrations.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the residents of the state, stating that this festival symbolizes the rich traditions of nature, culture, and community life.
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