Ranchi, April 1 (NationPress) The vibrant celebration of the 'union of earth and sun' is underway throughout Jharkhand as the nature-revering tribal communities engage in the Sarhul festival with immense zeal.

During this occasion, processions are being conducted in several towns and villages, including the state capital, Ranchi.

Countless individuals, including men, women, and children, are taking part in the festivities, dancing and singing in the streets while waving flags and playing traditional musical instruments like drums, which are emblematic of the Sarna religion.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren participated in the central Sarhul celebrations at Ranchi’s tribal hostel and Sarna Sthal (a sacred site for tribals) in Siram Toli.

Former Chief Minister Champai Soren was involved in rituals at the Sarna Sthal in Hatma. Other notable figures, including Ranchi MLA and former minister C.P. Singh and AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto, also joined the Sarhul procession.

Sharing images of the Sarhul Puja on social media, Hemant Soren conveyed his wishes to the populace. "Warm congratulations, best wishes, and Johar to all on the auspicious occasion of Sarhul, the grand festival of nature. To ensure the state’s prosperous future, we must advance with a vision for the next 25 years, safeguarding and enhancing our rich heritage, traditions, and culture," he remarked.

In response to a longstanding request from the tribal community, Soren declared an additional public holiday. While Tuesday was already designated as a holiday, all government offices and institutions will now also remain closed on Wednesday.

The Sarhul festival is rich in intriguing beliefs. According to tribal lore, the earth is viewed as a girl who marries the sun on the day of Sarhul. Before the wedding, the sun proposes by showering abundant sunlight upon the earth, a gesture symbolizing love and prosperity. The earth, pleased by the sun’s arrival, flourishes with wealth and abundance.

During the festival, the village priest (Pahan) decorates the earth with Sal flowers and ceremonially presents it to its groom, the sun.

Numerous folk tales are also linked to Sarhul. Among the Oraon community, the story of the crab and the fish is particularly prominent. According to their belief, these creatures existed prior to the Earth and the concept of a year. The crab is said to have formed the earth by retrieving soil from the sea, with the fish assisting, making them revered ancestors of the community.

The Pahan also forecasts the rainfall for upcoming months by monitoring the water level in a pitcher placed at the Sarna Sthal during Sarhul. This year, after the ritual, Chief Pahan Jaglal Pahan in Hatma, Ranchi, predicted below-normal rainfall.