Sarhul Festival is a Unique Heritage of Tribal Culture; Preserving It is Our Collective Responsibility: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, March 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the traditional Sarhul festival held at Deepu Bagicha in Jashpur today. On this occasion, he offered prayers to Mother Earth, the Sun God, and the Sal tree as per rituals, wishing for the state’s prosperity, good rainfall, and a bountiful harvest. As part of the Sarhul tradition, a Baiga priest placed a Sal flower behind the Chief Minister’s ear, offering blessings.

Extending greetings to the people of the district on the occasion of Sarhul and the Hindu New Year, the Chief Minister said that the Sarhul festival has, for centuries, symbolized the balance between nature, earth, and life. The rituals performed by Baiga, Pahan, and priests are not merely religious practices but expressions of gratitude toward nature and reflections of collective social values. He emphasized that the festival is a living symbol of the rich civilization and culture of tribal communities, and preserving it is a shared responsibility of all. He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of tribal culture.

The Chief Minister stated that the government is swiftly fulfilling its promises to the people. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, housing is being provided to lakhs of families. Through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, over ₹16,000 crore has been disbursed in 25 installments so far, giving a new direction to women’s economic empowerment. Additionally, paddy is being procured at ₹3,100 per quintal, ensuring farmers receive fair value for their produce.

He further said that the Freedom of Religion Bill presented in the Assembly is an important step toward maintaining social harmony and protecting cultural identity, and it will help establish effective control over illegal religious conversions.

It is noteworthy that Sarhul is a major festival of the Oraon community, celebrated in the month of Chaitra, symbolizing the renewal of nature and seasonal change. The festival involves a symbolic marriage of Mother Earth and the Sun God, along with community prayers. Rituals at Sarna sites, distribution of prasad, and folk dances and songs strengthen social unity and cultural identity. Sal flowers and sacred water are distributed from house to house, wishing for prosperity and well-being.

During the event, more than 100 women and young girls dressed in traditional attire performed an enchanting Sarhul dance. The rhythmic beats of the mandar drum and the vibrant atmosphere immersed the entire परिसर in the colors of tribal culture, drawing a large crowd and taking the festive spirit to its peak.

On the occasion, several dignitaries were present, including Satyendra Singh, National President of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram; Yogesh Bapat, National General Secretary; MLA Gomti Sai; Municipal Council President Arvind Bhagat; District Panchayat Vice President Shaurya Pratap Singh Judev; along with several public representatives, administrative officials, and a large number of citizens.