THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 4: The Luguburu Ghantabari Dhoromgarh State Festival 2025 began on Monday morning at the sacred Luguburu Hill in Lalpania, Gomia block of Bokaro district, amid a deeply spiritual and cultural atmosphere. The air resounded with chants of “Jai Lugubaba” and the rhythmic beats of tribal drums, as devotees gathered from across Jharkhand and neighbouring states to offer prayers.
The traditional inauguration took place with full ceremonial grandeur. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh, Naike Baba, and festival committee president Babli Soren, along with community elders, performed rituals to mark the start of the three-day celebration.
Faith and Devotion Draw Over Ten Thousand Pilgrims
A sea of faith engulfed Dhoromgarh as more than 10,000 devotees climbed the sacred hill for darshan of Lugubaba, revered as the spiritual guardian of the land and the soul of the ancestors. With sunrise, devotees dressed in colourful tribal attire ascended the hill, singing devotional songs and playing traditional instruments such as the mander.
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“Lugubaba is the protector of our faith and the soul of our ancestors. Coming here brings peace and strength,” said one pilgrim from Giridih. The festival, organisers said, reflects the enduring connection between faith, nature, and tribal identity in Jharkhand.
A Showcase of Jharkhand’s Folk Culture and Unity
Beyond its spiritual essence, the Luguburu Festival serves as a vibrant display of Jharkhand’s tribal culture and collective unity. Artists from Santali and other indigenous communities are performing folk dances and songs in traditional dress, celebrating the rhythm and resilience of the region’s heritage.
The district administration and organising committee have set up extensive facilities for visitors, including a tent city for accommodation, free bus services from Bokaro Steel City and Gomia railway stations, khichdi distribution, clean water, medical camps, and sanitation teams to maintain hygiene.
DC Ajay Nath Jha expressed his wishes for peace and prosperity, calling the festival “the fragrance of our soil and the identity of our culture that places Jharkhand’s folk faith on the world stage.”
Security Tightened; Devotees Connect Online
To ensure safety, SP Harvinder Singh confirmed that police forces, drones, and CCTV surveillance have been deployed throughout the venue. A central control room has also been established to assist visitors. “The safety and convenience of devotees are our top priorities,” he said.
For those unable to attend in person, the state government is broadcasting the festival live on Jhargov.tv, YouTube, and Facebook, allowing devotees across India and abroad to witness Lugubaba’s darshan and cultural performances online.
Where Nature and Faith Meet
The Luguburu Ghantabari Dhoromgarh shrine, regarded as the holiest site of the Santali community, symbolises harmony between earth, water, forest, and humanity. Every year, thousands gather here to honour this sacred bond — where nature itself is God, and Lugubaba is its embodiment.
Officers from block, sub-divisional, and district levels attended the inauguration, marking a moment of pride for the Jharkhand tribal community and the wider Jharkhand–Bihar cultural landscape.
