Sundargarh, Sept 22: Tribal settlements across Sundargarh district have come alive with celebrations as communities observe the traditional Karma festival, a major festival that reflects their deep connection with nature and reinforces the sacred bond between brothers and sisters.
The beats of the madal (traditional drum) and vibrant folk songs and dances have filled tribal neighbourhoods, with people of all age groups joining the festivities. The festival is celebrated as a symbol of reverence for nature, prayers for a good harvest and the preservation of the traditional bond between siblings.
The Karma festival is observed by several tribal communities in Sundargarh, including the Oraon, Munda, Kharia, Kisan, Bhuyan, Kudumi and Santali communities. The main rituals are performed on the Shukla Ekadashi of the month of Bhadrab, which falls on September 22 this year.
Preparations begin well in advance. On Bhadrab Panchami, unmarried girls collect sand from riverbanks and keep it in a secluded, dark corner of their homes. Seven varieties of seeds are then sown in the sand. The girls worship the seeds every morning and sprinkle them with turmeric water. The sprouted seeds are known as ‘Jawa Phul’ and hold an important place in the rituals.
A branch of the Karam tree, regarded as a symbol associated with the community deity Dharmesh, is brought and installed at the akhada, the traditional community gathering place. The rituals are performed by the Pahan, the traditional tribal priest, and the Jawa flower is offered as part of the worship.
During the ceremony, the Pahan narrates the traditional tale of Karma and Dharma, two brothers. The story conveys the importance of maintaining harmony between human actions and nature while also emphasising collective well-being and prosperity.
Following the rituals, young men and women carry the Karam branch in a procession and celebrate with traditional songs and dances to the rhythm of the madal. The two-day observance concludes with sisters offering Jawa Phul to their brothers and praying for their long lives and well-being.
The festival concludes with the ceremonial immersion of the Karam branch in a river.
Karma celebrations are being held with traditional fervour in several parts of Sundargarh, including Bisra, Lathikata, Kutra, Kuarmunda, Gurundia, Rajgangpur and Nuagaon. In Rourkela, festivities are also underway in tribal settlements and neighbourhoods including Uditnagar Oram Pada, Jagda, Banposh, Panposh, Jhirpani and Bandhamunda.
The celebrations have created an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm among the district's tribal communities, while keeping alive a cultural tradition centred on nature worship, community life and the enduring bond between siblings.
