RANCHI, Mar 21 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday called upon people to protect nature, asserting that there is no greater form of worship than reverence for the natural world, during celebrations of Sarhul.
Addressing a gathering at the Tribal College Hostel in Karam Toli, Ranchi, the chief minister said the festival symbolises the inseparable bond between humans and nature, emphasising that all life originates from and ultimately returns to nature.
“If nature did not exist, there would be no living beings in the world. This entire system has been created and sustained by nature, and tribal communities have an unshakeable faith in this natural order,” he said.
Soren, accompanied by his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, participated in traditional rituals at the hostel campus and later at the Sarna Sthal in Siramtoli. He also played the traditional tribal instrument Mandar during the celebrations.
“We must all reconnect with nature. As long as nature is protected, our own existence will remain secure. We should take a pledge to preserve it,” he added.
Sarhul, the state’s biggest tribal festival marking the arrival of spring, was celebrated across Jharkhand with traditional fervour. Large numbers of people dressed in customary attire took part in colourful processions, dancing to tribal music in various parts of the state.
The festivities began with morning rituals, followed by traditional monsoon forecasts by ‘pahans’ (tribal priests). As part of the customary practice, earthen pitchers filled with water were placed under a sal tree at Sarna Sthals and observed overnight. Based on these indicators, priest Jaglal Pahan predicted normal rainfall in the state this year.
Meanwhile, Eid-ul-Fitr was also celebrated across Jharkhand amid tight security arrangements. In Ranchi, large congregations offered namaz at major mosques, including Harmu Idgah, Upper Bazar Jama Masjid and Doranda Idgah.
