THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, March 5: The tribal festival of Baha Bonga was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in Kitadih village under the Jamshedpur block today.
On the fifth day of the month of Phalgun, the village priest, Naike Baba JMM leader Mahabir Murmu, performed the sacred rituals, offering prayers to the deities Marang Buru, Jaher Ayo, the village deity, Mod, and Turui, seeking happiness and prosperity for all the villagers of Jharkhand.
Naike Baba Mahabir Murmu emphasized the significance of the Baha festival in the tribal Santhal society, calling it a sacred occasion dedicated to nature worship. He highlighted that the festival serves as a way to express gratitude to nature for its blessings.
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The festival marks the arrival of new flowers and fruits, particularly Mahua, which are first offered to the gods and goddesses before being consumed by the people.
“Baha Bonga is not just a celebration; it is a prayer to nature for continued prosperity. Only after this ritual do we consume the first fruits of the year and commence the wedding season,” said Naike Baba.
The grand event was attended by several prominent community members, including Bengal Majhi, Kishun Murmu, Bindu Soren, Khelaram Murmu, Chunu Hembram, Vikas Murmu, Sanjeev Hembram, Sudam Murmu, Gurba Hansda, Hemant Soren, Anshu Majhi, Doman Hansda, Kishun Soren, Ramrai Soren, Rajaram Murmu, Jadu Murmu, and Barsa Baske, among others.
Their presence added to the significance of the festival, reinforcing the deep cultural and spiritual connection of the Santhal community to nature.
