Which of the following festivals is celebrated in Jharkhand during the spring season when the saal trees wear new leaves?

Sarhul

The correct answer is Option (2) - Sarhul

Sarhul is a major festival celebrated by the tribal communities of Jharkhand, particularly the Oraon and Munda tribes, during the spring season. Sarhul is primarily celebrated to mark the onset of spring when nature begins to rejuvenate, and the saal trees (Shorea robusta) start bearing new leaves. It usually falls in the month of March or April, depending on the lunar calendar. Sarhul is a festival dedicated to the worship of nature and the deities associated with it. The saal trees, which are considered sacred by the tribal communities, play a central role in the festivities. People offer prayers and thanksgiving rituals to the deities for the prosperity and fertility of the land.

On the day of Sarhul, villagers gather around the saal trees in the forest or village courtyard to perform rituals and ceremonies. Offerings of flowers, fruits, rice, and other symbolic items are made to the trees as a gesture of reverence and gratitude. Sarhul is also a time for cultural celebrations and community gatherings. Tribal people dress in traditional attire, sing folk songs, and perform traditional dances such as Sarhul dance and Karma dance. The rhythmic beats of drums and traditional musical instruments add to the festive atmosphere.

Sarhul promotes social harmony and solidarity among tribal communities. It is a time for people to come together, reconcile differences, and strengthen social bonds through collective participation in the festivities. Sarhul holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the tribal communities of Jharkhand. It reflects their close connection to nature, their reverence for the environment, and their traditional way of life rooted in agriculture, forestry, and pastoralism.

Overall, Sarhul is a joyous and vibrant festival that celebrates the beauty of nature, the spirit of community, and the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities of Jharkhand. It is a time of renewal, thanksgiving, and cultural expression, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between humans and the natural world.