15 Famous Festival of Jharkhand You Must Experience In 2023

Jharkhand, the land of forests, welcomes everyone with serene beauty and simplicity. It is the 15th-largest Indian state in the area and is situated in the country's northeastern part. Though this state was formed in 2000, it is well known for its balance of development and culture. Various festivals in Jharkhand portray the beauty of their culture, which their citizens warmly preserve.

If you plan to visit a holy place like Jagannath Temple or an adventurous place like Tagore Hill, why not plan around these festivals? You will get to experience the enthusiasm and celebration of these exciting festivals. For instance, enjoying the celebration of Karam with joy and dance.

It can make memories sweeter and more memorable. You can even get mesmerised by the positive vibes around these festivals. Let's list some of the festivals in Jharkhand so that you can plan your trip wisely and get a chance to immerse yourself in the simplicity of the state through festivities.

List of 15 Famous Festivals in Jharkhand that Narrate the Amazing Culture and History

Jharkhand is the home of many tribal people. Hence, this state observes many festivals, celebrated mainly by a specific tribe. You can double your trip's joy by joining these celebrations. Moreover, you can experience the essence of India, i.e., "unity in diversity".

Tusu Parab or Makar | January

Hal Punhya | January
Sarhul | Spring Season
Bhagta Parab | Between the spring and summer seasons
Manda Mela | Between April and May
Dhan Buni | Between April and May
Rohini | Mostly in May Asadhi Pooja | June
Karam | August or September
Jitiya | Between September and October
Kadleta | Between September and October
Bandna Festival or Sohrai | Between October and November
Eind/Ind | Between October and November
Jani Shikar | Once in 12 years
Bhai Bheekh | Once in a few years

1. Tusu Parab or Makar - A month-long festival to celebrate spring

If you want to explore a different way to celebrate Makar Sankranti, indulge in Tusu Parab's celebration. You can experience a mix of tradition and liveliness. The celebrations start by offering rice, flowers, and other rice-bran things to Goddess Tusumani for the entire month. People prepare a specific arrangement for the goddess in their house. On the day of Makar Sakranti, unmarried girls prepare a "Chaural", a temple-like structure made with bamboo and paper. People believe that this is the vehicle of the goddess. Later, people visit the fair and celebrate the day with dance, folk songs, and various peethas (rice dumplings). Nowadays, young people also participate in chaural competitions to monetise their creativity.

Where: Southeastern Jharkhand and nearby areas, including southwestern West Bengal, northeastern Odisha, and some parts of Assam
When: After December 15 to Makar Sakranti
Highlights: Special fairs with beautiful Chaurals and various delicacies prepared with rice.

2. Hal Punhya- An auspicious beginning for farmers

80% of the state's population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. This fact signifies the importance of a good harvest for the people's livelihood. This festival marks the prosperous start of ploughing. The farmers plough two and a half circles of their farms in the morning, believing they will get a good yield. Many people also call this day "Akhain Jatra". If you want to stay close to nature and celebrate the magical powers of nature and farmers, just visit Jharkhand during this festival.

Where: Farming zones throughout the state
When: First day of Magh month
Highlights: Manifesting a prosperous harvest by ploughing 2.5 circles of the land.

3. Sarhul - Celebration of the New Year

Want to stay close to nature and show gratitude for everything it has provided? Then you should join the authentic celebration of Sarhul. It is a famous festival in Jharkhand and an innovative way to welcome the new year (Hindu calendar). Various tribes in the state, including the Mundas, Ho, and Oraon, celebrate this festival. Many communities call this festival the Khudi, Baha, Ba, and Jankor Festival. People fast and worship many deities with Saal trees to thank their protectors. Meanwhile, the village priest (Pahan) fasts for a few days and fills three earthen pots. After 3 days, they observe the pots and predict the rainfall. Later, the priest performs pooja and offers village deities and ancestors three young roasters to attain their blessings. People take out a rally for the celebration.

Where: Tribal areas of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal
When: From the fortnight of Chaitra month to Jeth month
Highlights: Embracing mother nature by dancing, singing, and worshipping Saal trees

4. Bhagta Parab- A festival devoted to devotees

Always wondered about the height of devotion? Then just indulge in the celebration of Bhagta Parab. This state festival of Jharkhand is about pouring out your heartfelt gratitude and devotion in various forms. People fast and worship Buddha Baba. The people take the priest (Pahan or Laya) to the Sarana Mandir from the bathing pond. The most astonishing thing is the ritual of taking the priest to the temple. People make a chain-like structure while locking their knees on the path to the temple. The priest walks on the people's chests to reach his destination. The succeeding days are filled with adventurous activities and enthusiasm. Many people indulge in other brave acts and Chhau dance.

Where: Tamar of Jharkhand
When: Between the spring and summer seasons
Highlights: Dancing in the sky and various brave acts

5. Manda Mela - A famous festival for abundance and good rainfall

If you are a devotee of Shiva, then you must become a part of the Manda Mela. On this main festival of Jharkhand, people fast and worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Bhudha Baba. Many people also call this festival Chadak Pooja, Shiva Pooja, Vishu Parv, etc. This festival is celebrated in remembrance of the immolation of Goddess Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife and a form of Goddess Parvati). Some devotees fast during these days. In the evening, many devotees, including children, are seen firewalking gracefully to impress Lord Shiva and pray for good rainfall.

Where: Near Shiva temples like Hapamuni Temple
When: 7-9 days' celebration in the month of Vaisakh (between April and May)
Highlights: Unbelievable bravery acts like firewalking

6. Dhan Buni- The sowing festival

There are many agriculture-related festivals in Jharkhand. Dhan Buni falls into the same category but is limited to the Oraon community. You should visit the state during this festival to learn more about this community. People scrape out the farm's small part and mix some cow dung. The village priest performs a sacrifice of five fowls. Their blood is sprinkled on the five kuris (Arwa rice). Villagers bring some paddies in a new bamboo basket and plant them at an auspicious time. People believe that their fowl sacrifice will impress village deities, and they will get a good yield.

Where: Regions where the Oraon community resides, like Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, Hazaribagh, etc.
When: Sowing time for rice
Highlights: Special rituals to manifest nature's blessing

7. Rohini- Jharkhand's famous festival for sowing seeds

Usually, tribal festivals in Jharkhand involve dance and songs. But this festival includes a few rituals. So celebrating Rohini with natives is a whole new experience. On the eve of the festival, women make lines around their houses (including corners). In the morning, people cross these lines to leave their houses. People believe that this ritual helps reduce the chances of accidents. Farmers worship Goddess Mansa Devi to protect their crops from insects, snakes, and other harmful creatures. They sow the seeds with positive intentions.

Where: Rural Jharkhand
When: First sowing period of the year
Highlights: Worshipping deities for bountiful rainfall and harvest

8. Asadhi Pooja- The sowing festival for Sadan and tribals

Travelling to Jharkhand during Asadhi Pooja can help you understand the importance of nature in our lives. Farmers are the core providers of food. Hence, they should have an abundant crop yield. Farmers celebrate this festival, hoping the almighty will bless them with prosperous output. They sacrifice black sheep in their house and raise the "tapaan" of the handi. Many believe these rituals also help lower the chances of deadly diseases like chickenpox.

Where: Districts where tribals and sedans reside
When: In the month of Asadh (June)
Highlights: Sacrifice of the Black Sheep