Jamshedpur: The historic Gopal Ground in Bistupur came alive with colours, music, and traditional fervor as the Jharkhand Vasi Ekta Manch organized a grand Tusu Fair, attracting lakhs of people from across the Kolhan region and beyond. The fair stood as a magnificent celebration of Jharkhand’s rich folk culture, unity, and age-old traditions, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant cultural arena.
People from distant villages arrived with large and artistically crafted Tusu idols mounted on chariots, reflecting deep-rooted rural traditions that are usually observed on riverbanks and ponds. The presence of these idols at Regal Ground symbolized the cultural transition of Tusu from rural landscapes to an urban platform without losing its essence.
The atmosphere turned electric with the soulful and energetic performances of Jhumur exponent Santosh Mahto, whose songs echoed across the ground and drew spontaneous participation from the crowd.
The fair was graced by several prominent political, social, and cultural figures, including MP Bidyut Baran Mahato, former Health Minister Banna Gupta, Ichagarh MLA Sabita Mahato, Jugsalai MLA Mangal Kalindi, former Rajya Sabha MP and former MLA Pradeep Balmuchu, along with several councillors, community leaders, social activists, and educationists.
Among those present were Khagen Mahato, Sunil Mahato Mita, Domjuri Mukhiya Anita Murmu, former councillors Sarathi Mahato, Chandravati Mahato, Sukhdev Mahato, Phanindra Mahato, Bablu Mahato, R.K. Sinha, Satyanarayan Mahato (Makad), Shrinath University founder Shambhunath Mahato and Mrs. Sandhya Rani Mahato, Ramesh Hansda, Vikas Singh, Ananto Pradhan, and many others.
Addressing the gathering, MP Bidyut Baran Mahato said that the Tusu festival reflects Jharkhand’s unity in diversity. He urged people to preserve their civilization, culture, and traditions, warning that communities that forget their roots gradually disappear. He also stressed the importance of educating children to secure the future of society.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Pradeep Balmuchu highlighted that the youth present at the fair are united to safeguard their cultural heritage. He said that society faces numerous challenges and only collective unity can help overcome them, adding that Jharkhandi culture is itself a symbol of unity.
Former Health Minister Banna Gupta began his address by singing a Tusu song, drawing loud applause from the audience. He described Tusu as a festival of joy and happiness, urging people to celebrate responsibly and return home safely.
MLA Mangal Kalindi remarked that the dream envisioned by former MP late Sunil Mahato to organize the Tusu fair on such a grand scale at Regal Ground is now being realized, and the festival has grown into a major cultural identity of the region.
The stage proceedings were efficiently conducted by Seenu Rao, while numerous volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
In a significant and thoughtful address, Astik Mahato appealed for unity among all communities of Jharkhand. He recalled that after the martyrdom of Nirmal Mahato, people from all castes joined the Jharkhand movement, highlighting historical examples of collective struggle.
He urged an immediate end to the ongoing “cold war” between tribal and Kurmi communities, stating that all communities had sacrificed lives for the formation of Jharkhand. He cautioned against being misled by divisive forces and appealed to people to raise their demands constitutionally, without resorting to abusive language or hatred, especially on social media.
The fair also hosted competitive cultural performances, with winners announced in various categories:
Tusu Competition
First: Dhananjay Mahato, Padnamsai – ₹41,000
Second: Jagannath Mahato, Kharsawan – ₹35,000
Third: Chadri, Rajnagar – ₹31,000
Fourth: Deepak Mahato, Manpita – ₹25,000
Fifth: Angad Mahato – ₹20,000
Sixth: Phoolchand Gorai – ₹15,000
Chaural Dance Competition
First: Adivasi Puran Samiti, Khunti (Virendra Puran) – ₹31,000
Second: Adivasi Kisan Chaural Samiti – ₹25,000
Third: Sarna Chaural Samiti – ₹21,000
Fourth: Shri Shri Maa Durga Samiti (Hemraj Mahato) – ₹15,000
Budhi Gadi Dance Competition
First: Mahavir Mahato, Patamda – ₹15,000
Second: Harihar Tudu, Khakhidih – ₹11,000
Third: Narwa Khurshi – ₹7,000
Fourth: Jayachandra, Seraikela – ₹5,000
