10,000 tribal artists march to keep Birsa Munda’s legacy alive

Ranchi witnessed a spectacular display of Jharkhand’s tribal heritage on World Tribal Day on Sunday as nearly 10,000 artists from across the state took to the streets in a grand Jatra dedicated to the legacy of tribal icon and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The procession was flagged off by State Welfare Minister Chamra Linda from Bhagwan Birsa Munda Smriti Park, popularly known as Birsa Munda Jail, at Jail More.

Dressed in traditional attire and adorned with indigenous jewellery, artists representing different tribal communities transformed the procession into a vibrant celebration of Jharkhand’s cultural diversity.

The Jatra began at Jail More and passed through Karam Toli Chowk and the SSP residence before reaching Morabadi. The rhythmic beats of mandar, dhol and nagada, accompanied by flutes and other traditional instruments, reverberated along the route.

Artists belonging to communities including Santhal, Munda, Ho, Oraon, Kharia and Kharwar participated in the event, bringing with them their distinctive traditions, costumes, music and dance forms.

Six tableaux depicting different facets of Birsa Munda’s life, his struggle against colonial rule and his contribution to the preservation of tribal identity were also showcased during the procession. The tableaux sought to portray the life and struggle of the legendary tribal leader while highlighting the cultural traditions of Jharkhand’s indigenous communities.

However, the Jatra also saw a section of participants carrying placards raising a range of demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, scrapping the proposed construction of RIMS-2 on agricultural land in Nagri, conducting the delimitation exercise based on the 1971 Census, and implementing the Sarna code.

The event was organised by the Department of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Minority and Backward Classes Welfare as an initiative to preserve and promote the state’s rich tribal heritage.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Chamra Linda said such cultural events were important in connecting tribal youth with their roots and carrying Jharkhand’s heritage forward to future generations. He congratulated the artists, organisers and participants and wished the Jatra success.

Senior government officials, including Principal Secretary Kripanand Jha, Tribal Welfare Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary and Special Secretary-cum-Director of Information and Public Relations Rajiv Lochan, were present.

A large number of citizens and culture enthusiasts also gathered along the route, applauding the performances.

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