Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University celebrated Sarhul Festival on 23rd March 2023. The celebration was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Director General, Vice- Principal, Director Academics, Research Director, senior functionaries, faculty members, research scholars, students and staff of KISS-DU. The University has taken the initiative to protect, promote and preserve tribal cultural heritage, rituals, traditions and teaches to live in harmony with nature.
Sarhul is the festival of nature, celebrated in the Eastern states of India especially Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh by the tribal communities as a part of the local Sarna religion. This festival is celebrated mainly by the Oraon, Munda, Ho and Santhal tribes. Sarhul is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, three days after the appearance of the new moon. It is also a celebration of the beginning of spring. The word ”Sarhul” is connected with tree worship. Nature veneration is an important aspect of this festival. In this festival the worship of the Sal Tree is very important as well as a special Sarhul dance.
Professor Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Prashanta Kumar Routray, Registrar; Dr. Kanhu Charan Mahali, Director General spoke about the significance and importance of this festival and encouraged the students to organize such important types of indigenous festivals and activities every month by all tribal communities including the 13PVTGs.
The celebration was organized by the Tribal Advisory Council, Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Associate Professor; Mr. Kadey Soren, Deputy Director Academics; research scholars and students of KISS-DU. Rich cultural ethos was recreated on KISS-DU premises by performing four traditional dances.