ABU GI SANTHAL PARGANA

Naming Procedure in Santhal Society (Rang Choar Bonga / Chatiar Ceremony) The Santhal community follows a traditional and symbolic naming process, deeply connected to their culture, ancestors, and nature . The naming ceremony is known as "Chatiar" or "Rang Choar Bonga" , performed within a few days or weeks after a child's birth. 1. Timing of the Naming Ceremony The naming ceremony is held after 5 to 7 days of birth. In some cases, it may be delayed due to family situations or village customs . A priest ( Naeke ) or an elder of the family performs the ritual. Significance : It welcomes the child into the family and the clan. 2. Rituals Performed in the Ceremony The Chatiar ceremony involves various traditional steps : a) Bathing Ritual (Purification) The mother and child take a ritual bath in a river or pond. This symbolizes purity and spiritual cleansing . b) Offering to the Ancestors (Bonga Ritual) The Naeke (priest) or elder prays to the Bonga (spiri...

  Relations in Santhal Society The Santhal community has a well-structured kinship system that governs family, marriage, and social interactions . Their relationships are based on clans (gotras), family hierarchy, and traditional customs . 1. Family Structure (Parivar) Santhals follow a patrilineal system, where family lineage is traced through the father's clan ( Gotra ). The family structure includes: Dada (Grandfather) Dadi (Grandmother) Baba (Father) Maai (Mother) Bhai (Brother) Bahin (Sister) Chacha (Uncle, father's younger brother) Chachi (Aunt, uncle’s wife) Mama (Maternal Uncle) Mami (Maternal Uncle’s wife) Pisa (Elder Brother of Father, like ‘Tau’ in Hindi) Pisi (Elder Sister of Father) Dulara/Dulari (Younger siblings in the family, affectionate term) 2. Clan (Gotra) Relations Santhals belong to 12 main clans (gotras) , such as Murmu, Hansda, Marandi, Soren, Tudu, Hembrom , etc. Marriage within the same clan is strictly forbidden ( Clan Exogamy ). Inter-clan marri...

Santhal Pargana  Santhal Pargana is a region in the state of Jharkhand, India , known for its significant Santhal tribal population . It was originally a separate administrative division created by the British in 1855 after the Santhal Rebellion against British rule and zamindari oppression. Geography & Administration Santhal Pargana includes six districts : Dumka (Divisional Headquarters) Deoghar Godda Jamtara Sahebganj Pakur History & Culture The region is named after the Santhal tribe , one of the largest tribal groups in India. The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) , led by Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu , was one of the first major tribal uprisings against the British. It has a unique land tenure system called Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPT Act) , which restricts the sale of tribal land to non-tribals. Economy & Tourism Deoghar is famous for Baidyanath Dham , one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Rajmahal Hills and Massanjore Dam are important attractions. The ec...

Santhal community  clans (gotras or paras)  In the Santhal community , there are several clans (gotras or paras) that function as social categories within the tribe. These clans regulate marriage, kinship, and social organization. The Santhal tribe primarily follows a totemic clan system , meaning each clan is associated with a totem (usually an animal, plant, or natural element). Major Clans (Gotras) of Santhals Santhals have 12 main clans (gotras), also called Paaris : Hansda (Duck) Murmu (Nilgai or Antelope) Marandi (Pigeon) Soren (Paddy or Grain) Tudu (Crane) Hembrom (Betel Leaf) Baskey (Star) Baske (Unknown origin, but different from Baskey) Champa (Flower) Kisku (Kingfisher Bird) Bedia (A type of grass) Pauria (Uncommon clan, origin unclear) Social Structure in Santhal Society Exogamous Clans : Santhals practice clan exogamy , meaning they cannot marry within their own clan. Matrilineal & Totemic Beliefs : Each clan is associated with a specific totem ...

  Santhal community festivals The Santhal community celebrates several unique and vibrant festivals, deeply connected to nature, agriculture, and their tribal traditions. Here are the major Santhal festivals : 1. Sohrai (Cattle Festival) When : October-November (During Diwali) Why : Celebrates cattle and livestock for their contribution to farming. How : Cattle are washed, decorated , and worshipped . Houses are painted with beautiful Sohrai art . Traditional Santhali dance and music take place. 2. Mage Parab (Harvest Festival) When : January-February Why : Celebrates new harvest and honors the village deity. How : Special rituals by the Naeke (priest) . Drumming, dancing, and singing in the village. Offering of rice beer (Handia) to ancestors. 3. Baha Parab (Flower Festival) When : March-April (Spring Season) Why : Thanks nature and spirits for a good harvest. How : Sal flowers are offered to deities. People apply Sal flowers on their heads as a blessing. Grand Santhali...

  Traditional Dress of the Santhal Community  The Santhal community has a distinctive and colorful traditional dress that reflects their culture, simplicity, and connection to nature . Their attire is usually made of cotton and handwoven fabrics , often decorated with bright colors and patterns . 1. Traditional Dress of Santhal Men  a) Panchi A piece of white or colored cloth worn around the waist like a dhoti . It is short and lightweight , making it comfortable for daily activities and farming. b) Jhalah A small cloth worn over the shoulders . Sometimes replaced with a shirt in modern times. Colors & Designs : Simple and light-colored , usually white, off-white, or with minimal embroidery . During festivals, men wear red-bordered or striped versions . Special Occasions : During festivals, marriages, and dances , men wear decorated turbans or headbands with feathers or beads . 2. Traditional Dress of Santhal Women  a) Panchi & Feta (Saree-like attire) A...

Main Food of the Santhal Community The Santhal diet is simple, natural, and closely connected to agriculture, forests, and traditional cooking methods . Their food consists mainly of rice, millets, vegetables, meat, fish, and forest produce . 1. Staple Foods (Main Diet) Santhals are agrarian people , so their staple food includes: Rice (Dhan) – The main food item, eaten daily. Millets (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Mandia) – Nutritious and commonly grown. Maize (Makka) – Roasted, boiled, or ground into flour.   Significance : Provides energy and strength for daily labor. 2. Vegetables & Greens Santhals consume a variety of homegrown and wild vegetables , including: Green leafy vegetables – Saag, spinach, mustard leaves. Root vegetables – Sweet potato, yam, arbi. Seasonal vegetables – Brinjal, pumpkin, bottle gourd. Wild nuts & mushrooms – Collected from forests.   Significance : Rich in vitamins and minerals , promoting good health . 3. Meat & Fish (Non-Vegetarian F...

Songs in santhal  and it's type The Santhal community has a rich musical tradition , with songs deeply connected to their festivals, daily life, and rituals . Santhali songs are categorized based on their purpose, occasion, and emotions . Here are the main types of Santhali songs : 1. Baha Songs (Flower Festival Songs) Sung during the Baha Parab (Flower Festival) in March-April . These songs praise nature and gods for prosperity. Accompanied by traditional Santhali dance .  Example Themes: Love for nature, gratitude for a good harvest. 2. Sohrai Songs (Cattle Festival Songs) Sung during Sohrai , the cattle worship festival in October-November . Songs thank cattle for their role in farming. Played along with Tamak, Tumdak, and Banam (Santhali musical instruments).  Example Themes: Joy, cattle care, village bonding. 3. Karam Songs (Karam Parab Songs) Sung during the Karam Festival in August-September . Dedicated to Karam Devta , the deity of youth, strength, and pros...

Death ceremony in santhal  The Santhal community has a unique and spiritual death ceremony that reflects their beliefs in the afterlife, ancestors, and rebirth . There are different types of death rituals in Santhal society based on the cause of death and social status of the deceased. 1. Sakrat Milan (Natural Death Ritual) Performed when a person dies naturally (due to old age or illness). The body is buried , not cremated. The Naeke (priest) and Manjhi (village head) perform the last rites. Family members mourn and offer Handia (rice beer) to the ancestors. After a few days, a feast is organized for the villagers.   Significance : Honors the deceased and ensures their peaceful transition to the afterlife. 2. Raska Punthi (Sudden or Unnatural Death Ritual) Performed when someone dies due to an accident, murder, suicide, or unnatural causes . The body is buried outside the village boundary . A separate ritual is conducted because it is believed that the soul may bec...

  Marriage   The Santhal community has a unique and diverse marriage system , deeply rooted in their tribal traditions. There are several types of marriages in Santhal society, each with its own customs and rituals. Here are the major types of Santhal marriages : 1. Sanga Bapla (Arranged Marriage) This is the most common and traditional type of Santhal marriage. The marriage is arranged by the parents and elders of both families. The groom’s family sends a proposal to the bride’s family. The wedding is performed with rituals, music, and feasting . Bride price (called Gonog ) is paid by the groom’s family.   Significance : Maintains traditional family bonds and customs. 2. Tunki Dipil Bapla (Love Marriage/Elopement) If a boy and girl fall in love , but the families disapprove , they elope. The couple runs away and lives together for a few days. Later, elders from both families negotiate and formalize the marriage. The groom’s family still pays the bride price ...

                                                   Sohrai Porob  Sohrai Porob – The Santhal Harvest Festival  Sohrai Porob is one of the most important festivals of the Santhal community , celebrated after the paddy harvest . It is a festival of cattle worship, thanksgiving, and prosperity . 1. Meaning of Sohrai Porob The word "Sohrai" means “to celebrate” or “to worship” in the Santhali language. The festival marks the end of the harvest season and is a way to thank the spirits (Bonga) for a good harvest . It is also known as the Cattle Festival because cows and bulls are worshiped. Significance : Santhals are an agrarian community , so they celebrate Sohrai as a festival of nature, livestock, and community unity . 2. When is Sohrai Porob Celebrated? Sohrai is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November) , just after Diwali . The exac...