Chapter 20: Festivals and Local Cuisine – Major Festivals and Local Cuisine of Jharkhand

Abstract:

Major festivals celebrated in Jharkhand include Sarhul (spring festival with Saal flowers), Chhath Puja (worshiping the sun), and Holi, where dishes like Dhuska are commonly eaten; while popular local cuisine includes Chilka Roti (a rice flour pancake), Arsa Roti (sweet flatbread), Malpua (sweet pancake), and bamboo shoots, often prepared in various ways; with alcoholic beverages like Handia (rice beer) and Mahua Ras (made from Mahua flowers) also being part of the culinary tradition. 

Key points about Jharkhand's festivals and food:

• Sarhul:

  Celebrated during spring, marking the blooming of Saal flowers and worshiping the village deity. 
• Chhath Puja:

  A festival dedicated to the Sun God, where people offer prayers at sunrise and sunset. 
• Dhuska:

  A hearty breakfast dish commonly eaten during Holi. 
• Chhilka Roti:

  A staple dish made from rice flour, chana dal, and urad dal, similar to a dosa. 
• Arsa Roti:

  A sweet flatbread often shared between the bride and groom's families. 
• Malpua:

  A sweet pancake, particularly popular during Holi. 
• Bamboo shoots:

  Considered a staple food in Jharkhand, prepared in various ways. 
• Handia:

  A traditional rice beer consumed during festivals and celebrations. 
• Mahua Ras:

  A beverage made from the flowers of the Mahua tree. 

So let's explore the Chapter 20 in detail 

20.1 Introduction

Jharkhand, a state rich in cultural heritage and tribal traditions, celebrates a variety of festivals with great enthusiasm. These festivals are deeply rooted in the traditions of indigenous tribes as well as mainstream Hindu customs. Food plays a vital role in these celebrations, with local cuisine reflecting the state's diverse cultural influences. This chapter explores the major festivals of Jharkhand and their associated culinary delights.

20.2 Major Festivals of Jharkhand

20.2.1 Sarhul

Sarhul is one of the most significant tribal festivals celebrated by the Oraon, Munda, and Ho tribes. It marks the beginning of spring and is a tribute to nature.

• Significance: Worship of Sal trees and nature
• Rituals: Offerings of flowers, prayers, and traditional dances
• Cuisine: Handia (fermented rice beer), Arsa Roti, and rice-based dishes

20.2.2 Karma

Karma is a festival dedicated to Karma Devta, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

• Significance: Symbolizes the importance of trees and the environment
• Rituals: People fast and perform folk dances around the Karma tree
• Cuisine: Mahua-based sweets, Thekua, and Chana Dal dishes

20.2.3 Tusu Parab

Tusu Parab is a harvest festival celebrated in the rural areas of Jharkhand.

• Significance: Marks the end of the agricultural season
• Rituals: Processions with decorated Tusu idols
• Cuisine: Pitha (sweet rice cakes), Dudhauri, and Pej (rice gruel)

20.2.4 Sohrai

Sohrai is a major festival for cattle-rearing communities, celebrated after Diwali.

• Significance: Worship of cattle and a celebration of the harvest
• Rituals: Cattle are decorated and traditional Sohrai paintings are made on walls
• Cuisine: Rice beer, Litti-Chokha, and sesame sweets

20.2.5 Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is widely celebrated in Jharkhand, especially among the Bihari community.

• Significance: Dedicated to the Sun God, seeking blessings for health and prosperity
• Rituals: Fasting, offering Arghya to the rising and setting sun
• Cuisine: Thekua, Kheer, and fruits

20.2.6 Bhagta Parab

This festival is mainly observed by the tribal communities, characterized by extreme physical devotion.

• Significance: Devotion to local deities and spiritual discipline
• Rituals: Devotees perform daring acts like jumping on thorns
• Cuisine: Rice dishes, meat preparations, and Handia

20.2.7 Eid and Christmas

Jharkhand is home to diverse communities, and festivals like Eid and Christmas are also celebrated with joy.

• Eid Cuisine: Sewaiyan, Biryani, Kebabs
• Christmas Cuisine: Plum Cake, Roasted Meat, Traditional Breads

20.3 Local Cuisine of Jharkhand

Jharkhand’s cuisine is simple yet flavorful, incorporating locally grown ingredients. Some staple foods include rice, pulses, and forest produce.

20.3.1 Traditional Dishes

• Litti-Chokha: Wheat flour dumplings stuffed with sattu, served with mashed potatoes and brinjal
• Dhuska: Fried rice and lentil pancakes, served with chutney
• Chhilka Roti: Rice flour flatbread, usually paired with vegetables
• Rugra and Putu: Wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots, tribal delicacies

20.3.2 Beverages

• Handia: Traditional rice beer, widely consumed during tribal festivals
• Mahua Drink: Fermented beverage made from Mahua flowers
• Pej: Rice gruel, a staple in rural households

20.3.3 Sweets

• Thekua: A crispy sweet made of wheat flour and jaggery
• Arsa Roti: Sweet rice-based pancake
• Tilkut: Sesame and jaggery sweet, commonly prepared during Makar Sankranti

20.4 Conclusion

Jharkhand’s festivals and local cuisine showcase its deep-rooted traditions and cultural diversity. The state's culinary heritage, influenced by its tribal communities, adds a unique flavor to its celebrations. These festivals not only strengthen social bonds but also preserve the region’s rich cultural identity for future generations.