Tribals grear up for Sendra, forest department sets up 11 checkpoints

Jamshedpur: In the remote villages of Kolhan, tribal communities are preparing for the annual Sendra hunting festival, a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the bond between man and nature. 

The festival, scheduled on May 1, involves a ritual hunt where tribesmen use traditional weapons like bows and arrows to capture animals from the nearby forests. The animals are then sacrificed to the gods as a symbol of gratitude for the bountiful gifts of nature.

This year, the festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm by the tribes in the region. Villages are abuzz with activity as men prepare their hunting gear and women make traditional costumes for the occasion.

As per tradition, the festival begins with a prayer to the gods, seeking their blessings for a successful hunt. The tribes then venture into the forests, armed with their hunting gear and accompanied by traditional music and dance.

The hunt is carried out in a sustainable manner, with only a limited number of animals being caught. The tribesmen take care to ensure that the animals are not harmed unnecessarily and are released back into the wild after the ritual sacrifice.

The festival is not just about hunting, but also about celebrating the culture and traditions of the tribal communities. It is a time for socializing, sharing food, and exchanging gifts.

The festival has faced criticism from animal rights activists who argue that it promotes cruelty towards animals. The tribes, on the other hand, maintain that the festival is an integral part of their culture and is carried out in a sustainable and ethical manner.

The Forest Department  is gearing up for the upcoming Sendra hunting festival by setting up 11 checkpoints. 

As part of their preparations, the department has issued guidelines to ensure that the festival is carried out in a sustainable and ethical manner. These guidelines include restrictions on the types and number of animals that can be hunted, and measures to ensure that the animals are not harmed unnecessarily.

The department has also set up checkpoints to monitor the transportation of hunting gear and animals, and to prevent the illegal trade of wildlife.

In addition, the department has organized awareness campaigns to educate the tribal communities about the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Speaking about the preparations, a senior official from the Forest Department said, “We are committed to ensuring that the Sendra hunting festival is carried out in a way that respects both the traditions of the tribal communities and the principles of conservation. We are working closely with the communities to ensure that the festival is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner.”

Despite the controversies, the Forest Department is determined to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a responsible and sustainable way, and to work with the tribal communities to promote conservation and protection of wildlife.