Baha parab

Baha parab is a festival of Santhal, Kol, Ho, Oraon, Munda and other tribes in India. "Baha" means flower. At Baha parab men, women and children are attired in traditional clothes, and Madal drums are beat. This festival takes place in the spring.[1]

Ritual

Marking the festival, the naikey (the priest) performs a ritual. A kula with flowers and leaves of the sal tree is offered to a Jaherthan (the altar) and devotees pray to "Jaher Ara", the god. After performing the rituals, the naikey along with others goes from door to door with the kula to bless everyone. People in the household, in particular young girls or women, offer food to the naikey. The naikey's feet are washed with water as he is welcomed by a family. After performing the rituals, the second part of programme start with dances, songs and archery practice.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Folklore, the Pulse of the People: In the Context of Indic Folklore By Mazharul Islam p.212
  2. ↑ Bharater adibasi, samaj

Further reading

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