Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: With the onset of the Sarhul festival, celebrations have begun in full fervour in Jharkhand’s capital. In a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere, the traditional Sarna flag-changing ceremony took place atop the Fansi Tungri hill temple. The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of Sarna devotees, who gathered amid the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional rituals.
Led by Central Sarna Committee president Ajay Tirkey, the devotees ascended the hill where the ‘Pahan’ (tribal priest) performed the rituals, praying for human welfare, the wellbeing of animals, rivers, hills, and nature’s harmony. Tirkey highlighted the sacredness of Fansi Tungri, once home to rituals conducted by the late Budhwa Pahan, and reiterated the longstanding demand for a Sarna religious code, stating it would affirm the tribal community’s spiritual identity.
Call To Observe Sarhul Without Intoxication
Sarna religious leader Rajesh Linda appealed to the community to refrain from intoxicants during Sarhul and to raise Sarna flags in their courtyards as a mark of reverence. Meanwhile, General Secretary Rupchand Tirkey urged tribal society to hold on to its culture, traditions, and indigenous rituals with pride.
Weekly Collective Sarna Prayers Encouraged
Speakers at the event encouraged tribal youth to pursue education and entrepreneurship to gain economic strength. The Sarna Committee’s general secretary advocated for continuing the tradition of collective prayers at Sarna sites every Thursday.
Fansi Tungri – A Sacred Tribal Worship Site For Centuries
Rajiv Padha Sarna Prarthana Sabha president Neeraj Munda emphasised the historic and spiritual importance of Fansi Tungri to the Sarna faith. While now popularly known as ‘Pahadi Mandir’, he stated that the tribal community has sustained its religious practices at this hilltop site for centuries.
Mass Gathering Of Devotees And Social Leaders
The grand celebration saw participation from various religious and community organisations including Rajee Padha Sarna Prarthana Sabha, Adivasi Student Organisation, and Women’s Cell. A large number of community leaders, social workers, students, and local residents also joined in the spiritual gathering.
Key Contributors To The Event
Among those who extended their support were Neeraj (President, Rajee Padha Sarna Prarthana), Ravi Munda (President, Adivasi Student Organisation), Gondra Urav (Silli Sarna Guru), Pawan Tirkey (Hazaribagh Sarna Guru), Ramdev Oraon (Northern Chotanagpur Divisional Sarna Guru), Somra Munda (Khunti Sarna Guru), Subhani Tigga (President, Women’s Cell), Rupchand Tirkey (Secretary, Sarna Committee), along with Gehna Kachhap, Sutisha Bada, Amit Gadi, Nasim Ahmad, Kishore Lohra, Gulabchand Bada, Prakash Tirkey, Sawan Linda, Vicky, Avinash, Santosh, Uttam Yadav, and others.
