Ranchi, Sep 22 (PTI) Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Tuesday led the state in extending greetings to its people on Karam, a major tribal festival, with leaders across the political spectrum joining in, describing it as a celebration of nature, culture and community solidarity.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the festival was intertwined with the state’s identity and way of life, while the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly termed it a symbol of the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters.
One of the biggest festivals after Sarhul, tribal communities worship the Karam tree and pray to Mother Nature for a rich harvest after the Kharif season. Also, sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being on the occasion.
In a post on X, Governor Gangwar said, “Karam Puja is a festival of nature, culture, and community unity. May this festival bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and well-being to everyone’s life.”
Chief Minister Soren said the festival, which symbolises the deep connection between nature and human life, the unbreakable love between siblings, social unity, and rich culture and traditions, was profoundly intertwined with Jharkhand’s identity and its way of life.
“Our ancestors taught us that water, forests, and land are not only the foundation of our lives but also the heritage of our culture, traditions, and future generations,” he said, adding that the festival was also a celebration of the sacred affection and mutual trust between brothers and sisters.
“The planting of the Karam branch in the ‘akhda’, the rhythmic beat of the ‘madal’, Karam songs, and collective dances are beautiful expressions of our vibrant folk culture,” the chief minister said.
He said the greatest feature of the festival is that it motivates people to stay connected to their roots.
“Even as we progress on the path of modernity and development, it encourages us to strengthen our bonds with our language, culture, traditions, folk wisdom, and nature. Ensuring that the rich legacy of our ancestors reaches future generations in a secure and empowered form is the collective responsibility of us all,” Soren said.
BJP leader extended greetings to all people of Jharkhand and said the festival symbolises the unbreakable bond of love between brothers and sisters. PTI SAN NSD
(PTI News)