The President of India recently extended greetings on the occasion of Sarhul, one of the most sacred Adivasi festivals of eastern India.

What is Sarhul?

• Literally means “Worship of the Sal Tree”
• Celebrates the union of Sun & Earth → symbol of life and fertility
• The Sal tree is revered as the abode of Sarna Maa (village deity)

Where is it Celebrated?

• Jharkhand (majorly)
• Also in Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh
• Celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Santal, Ho, Khadia

Ritual Significance:

• Pahan (priest) → Represents Sun
• Pahen (his wife) → Represents Earth
• Symbolizes ecological balance & interdependence

Three-Day Festival:

Day 1: Cleaning sacred groves (Sarna Sthal), fasting

Day 2: Main rituals, prayers, cultural dances

Day 3: Community feast → includes Handia (rice beer)

Agricultural Link:

• Marks the beginning of agricultural cycle
• Farming activities start only after Sarhul → deep nature connect