Karma Puja : A worship of Nature

With the celebration of the Karma festival the arrival of harvest season is honoured. The Karma festival is a significant tribal festival celebrated in Jharkhand, India, particularly among the Oraon, Munda, and Santhal communities. Many Hindu women also worship and do fast to pray for the long life of their brother. The way nature protects us and provides all necessary resources for survival likewise brothers protect their sisters from every trouble and fulfill their every need and desire.
It’s a harvest festival, typically observed in August or September, corresponding to the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

*Significance:*

1. Harvest celebration: Karma festival marks the beginning of the harvest season, expressing gratitude for the bounty of nature. It is a belief that in Karma puja brings rain with itself.
2. Agricultural significance: It honors the hard work and labor invested in farming and agriculture.
3. Social bonding: Karma puja is dedicated to Karam Devta, the god of fate, power, youth, and youthfulness and celebrated as a mark of strong brother-sister affection and love. The festival strengthens social ties among community members.
4. Cultural heritage: Karma festival preserves traditional customs, music, and dance. People enjoy and perform Jhumar dance ( tribal dance of Jharkhand)  after Karma puja . This festival is a mixture of emotions, beliefs and togetherness.

*Rituals and Celebrations:*

1. Worship of Karma Devta (Karma God): Offerings are made to the deity, seeking blessings for a prosperous harvest.
2. Traditional dances: Men and women perform folk dances like the Karma dance, Jhumar, and Chhau.
3. Music and singing: Traditional instruments like the Mandar, Dhak, and Nagara are played. People dance on the beats of Mandar and other traditional instruments. People also sing some tribal songs and dance.
4. Food and drinks: Traditional delicacies like Handia (rice beer), rice, and vegetables are shared.
5. Community gatherings: People assemble at village centers or sacred groves for collective worship and celebrations.

*Unique aspects:*

1. Sacred groves: Many villages have designated sacred groves where rituals are performed.
2. Tree worship: Certain trees, like the Karma tree (Kadam or Neem), are revered.
3. Animal sacrifice: In some areas, animal sacrifice is practiced as part of the rituals.

*Importance:*

The Karma festival showcases Jharkhand’s rich cultural diversity and emphasizes the importance of:
1. Community bonding
2. Gratitude towards nature
3. Agricultural significance
4. Cultural preservation
This vibrant festival that lasts for 3-5 days highlights the state’s tribal heritage and strengthens social cohesion among its communities.

In a nutshell it’s very delightful to witness such types of festivals which will feel you with lots of enthusiasm. It also shows the importance of Nature and how nature helps us to sustain in this earth and without nature human existence is not possible.