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...

  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...

                                                   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...

                                    Karam Porob Karam Porob – The Festival of Youth, Prosperity, and Nature  Karam Porob (also called Karam Festival ) is a traditional Santhal festival celebrated to honor Karam Devta (the deity of youth, strength, and prosperity) . It is a festival of nature worship, social unity, and good fortune . 1. Meaning of Karam Porob "Karam" comes from the Karam tree (Nauclea Parvifolia) , which is considered sacred by the Santhal people. The festival celebrates nature, fertility, and prosperity , especially for young people, farmers, and workers . Significance : Karam Devta (Karam God) is believed to bring happiness, good health, and success . 2. When is Karam Porob Celebrated? Karam is celebrated in August or September (during the Hindu month of Bhado). The exact date varies across Santhal villages , but it is usually observed on the 11th day of the full moon (E...

  Ero Porob – The Festival of Sowing  Ero Porob is an important agricultural festival of the Santhal community , celebrated to mark the beginning of the sowing season . It is a festival of prayers, rituals, and community feasting to ensure a good harvest . 1. Meaning of Ero Porob The word “Ero” means “plowing” or “sowing” in the Santhali language. It is celebrated before farmers begin sowing seeds , asking Bonga (spirits) and ancestors for blessings. Significance : Santhals are agrarian people , and this festival expresses gratitude to nature and spirits for a prosperous farming season. 2. When is Ero Porob Celebrated? Ero Porob is celebrated in June or July , at the start of the monsoon season . The exact date varies from village to village , depending on rainfall and farming cycles . Significance : The festival welcomes rain and ensures a successful crop . 3. Rituals & Traditions of Ero Porob a) Worship of Bonga (Nature Spirits) The village priest ( Naeke ) and elde...