Santhal way of life captivates one and all at Surajkund International Craft Mela-2017

Ranchi: The second day of Surajkund International Craft Mela 2017 was dedicated to the display of Santhal way of life, especially their art and culture.

Through its actions and body languages the tribes exhibited its nature in general and how it affects their lives including food and the like. It was also displayed as to how the Santhal believe in sustainable development.

The Santhals were also in full display as to how their traditions are celebrated and language spoken to effectively communicate their cause with folks in and around which the visitors enjoyed and relished the most in the Surajkund Mela.

The participating Santhal community in collectiveness exhibited their preferences in terms of food which is largely rice and as to how it is served to the guests visiting them in their locations at Jharkhand. This too was enjoyed by the spectators who visited the 2nd day of Surajkund International Craft Mela.

Santhal Tribe is the 3rd largest tribe of India, belonging to the Pre-Aryan period.They were great fighters who waged war against the British in 1855. The script is called ‘OLCHIKI’.They speak Santhali belonging to the Austro-Asiatic lingua family.

Most amazing fact of the Santhals is their way of worshipping. They don’t have temples and they don’t worship any idols.They pay respect to ghosts and spirits like KALSING,LAKCHTRA and BEVDARANG.

The Jharkhand Pavilion also exhibited the Primitive Tribe of Jharkhand called “ASURS & BRIJIAS’.They are ancient iron smiths. In modern days ,their iron making processes are not viable, however, It has been presevered by Jharkhand State Government and various NGOs.

The ASURS and BRIJIAS exhibited their iron making processes through a furnace made of local clay called ‘MITTI KI KUTTHI’. Local charcoal of the Sal Tree is used as Fuel.The iron ore is heated at a temperature of 1800 degree celcius and flue gas at 250 degree celcius. The famous Ashoka Pillar and the Konark Temple Beam are made using this technology.

The Jharkhand pavilion also exhibited various native tribal dance forms like Nagpuri dance, Karsa dance and the Akhara dance and the like among others.