Festivals of Jharkhand.

Festivals of Jharkhand : 

Jharkhand is home to a diverse range of festivals that reflect the cultural, religious, and tribal diversity of the state. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in Jharkhand:

1. Sarhul: This is one of the most significant tribal festivals in Jharkhand. Celebrated in the spring season, Sarhul is dedicated to the worship of trees, especially the Sal tree. Tribal communities offer prayers and perform traditional dances to mark the occasion.

2. Karma: Another important tribal festival, Karma is celebrated to appease the spirits of nature and ensure a good harvest. People dance, sing, and offer food and flowers to the deities. It's a way to express gratitude to the gods for their blessings.

3. Bhagta Parab: This is a tribal festival dedicated to the deity "Bhagta" who is believed to protect the community from evil spirits. It involves offerings, dances, and rituals performed by the tribal communities.

4. Jityya Bahan: Celebrated primarily by the Oraon tribe, Jityya Bahan is a festival of the harvest season. It involves rituals, dance, and offerings to ensure good crops and prosperity. It is celebrated by the mother for their son's long and healthy life.

5. Tusu Parab: Tusu Parab is a winter festival celebrated by women in rural areas of Jharkhand. Women create colorful figurines of birds, animals, and gods using local materials and offer them to the sun god.

6. Hal Punhya: Hal punhya is a festival which begins with the fall of winter. The first day of Magh month known as "Akhain Jatra" or "Hal Punhya" , it is considered as the begining of ploughing. 
7. Rohini: Rohini is the first festival of Jharkhand. Farmers starts sowing seeds from this day. There are some other festivals like Rajasala and Chitgomha celebrated with Rohini.
8. Bandna: Bandna is one of the most famous festivals celebrated during the black Moon of month of Kartik Aamavashya). This festival is mainly for the animals. In this festival people wash, clean, paint, decorate feed well and put ornaments to their cows and bulls.   
9. Holi: Just like in many parts of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm in Jharkhand. People play with colors, sing traditional songs, and enjoy festive sweets.

10. Durga Puja: Durga Puja, dedicated to the goddess Durga, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across Jharkhand. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up, and grand decorations, cultural programs, and religious rituals take place during this festival.

11. Diwali: The festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, exchanging of sweets, and bursting of fireworks. It's a time for families to come together and celebrate.

12. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha: The Muslim festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated by the Muslim community in Jharkhand with prayers, feasting, and communal gatherings.

13. Makar Sankranti: This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People take ritual baths in rivers, fly kites, and offer traditional sweets made from sesame and jaggery.

14. Chhath Puja: Although more popular in neighboring states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is also observed by the Bhojpuri-speaking communities in Jharkhand. It involves worshiping the sun god and seeking blessings for the well-being of the family.