THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 5: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting tribal culture, traditions, and heritage during the closing ceremony of the Luguburu Ghantabari Dhorom Garh State Festival 2025, held at Lalpania in Gomia block of Bokaro district on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
“We Must Preserve Our Traditions for Future Generations”
Addressing devotees gathered at the three-day festival, the Chief Minister described the event as “not just a festival, but a symbol of unwavering faith, devotion, and reverence towards our culture and traditions.”
He urged people to strengthen and preserve these customs for the benefit of future generations, emphasising that understanding one’s heritage helps in building a better and more cohesive society.
Luguburu: A Sacred Site of the Santhal Community
Soren said that Luguburu holds deep spiritual significance for the Santhal community, attracting lakhs of devotees from Jharkhand, other Indian states, and even abroad every year on Kartik Purnima.
Pilgrims visit the sacred site to offer prayers to Lugu Baba, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all devotees attending this year’s festival and prayed for its continued growth and prominence.
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Government Committed to Cultural and Social Enrichment
Highlighting the contributions of the ancestors of the Santhal community, Soren said their efforts laid the foundation for a strong and organised society.
“Our government has always been serious about enriching and promoting our society, culture, traditions, and customs,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that development work was underway to improve infrastructure and amenities at Luguburu Ghantabari, ensuring better facilities for domestic and international devotees. “This pilgrimage site is continuously making a distinct identity on the world map,” he noted.
Remembering Dishom Guru Shibu Soren
Soren paid tribute to Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, acknowledging his lifelong faith in Luguburu Ghantabari. He announced that a statue of Shibu Soren would soon be installed at the sacred site and presented a terracotta-style bust of the leader to the festival’s organising committee.
“Let us move forward on the path shown by Dishom Guru and carry forward his vision to inspire future generations,” he said.
Protecting Nature and Upholding Tribal Values
Emphasising the tribal community’s traditional role as guardians of nature, the Chief Minister warned of the environmental threats caused by unbalanced development.
He called for collective efforts to conserve water, forests, and land, invoking the legacy of freedom fighters Birsa Munda and Sido-Kanhu, who fought to protect natural resources. “If we fail to safeguard the environment, we will face severe consequences,” he cautioned.
Unity in Diversity: Strength of Indian Society
Soren underlined that people of different religions and communities live together harmoniously in India. “Our respect for each other’s traditions makes us unique,” he said, adding that social strength stems from collective faith rather than individual belief.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, along with his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, offered prayers to Lugu Baba and paid floral tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Leaders and Officials Present
The event was attended by Minister Chamra Linda, Minister Yogendra Prasad Mahto, MLA Kalpana Soren, MLA Umakant Rajak, District Council Chairperson Sunita Devi, IG (Coal Region) Sunil Bhaskar, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests R.T. Pandian, TTPS General Manager Anil Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, SP Harvinder Singh, and members of the Luguburu Ghantabari Dhorom Garh State Festival-2025 Organising Committee, among thousands of devotees.
