Jamshedpur: The Dalma hills resonated with age-old traditions and a strong sense of community as hundreds of tribal members gathered on Monday to celebrate the revered Sendra Festival.
More than just a ritual hunt, the annual event stands as a vibrant expression of cultural identity, ecological respect, and the continuation of ancestral customs.
The celebrations began on Sunday with detailed pre-hunt rituals near Phadlugora village, led by Dalma King Rakesh Hembram. Devotees offered prayers to forest deities, seeking protection for participants and blessings for prosperity. Traditional weapons such as bows, arrows, spears, and lances were also worshipped, highlighting their cultural significance.
“We pray for the safety of every Sendra warrior and for harmony between our people and the forests that sustain us,” Hembram said, emphasizing the spiritual core of the festival.
The event saw the presence of key traditional leaders, including the Pargana, Manki, Munda, and Nayke, reflecting the well-established tribal governance system that continues to guide community life.
Similar rituals were held in Jamdih village under the leadership of Fakir Soren, with active participation from surrounding villages. The festival drew attendees not only from across the Kolhan region but also from neighboring states like Odisha and West Bengal.
Participants began arriving as early as Sunday, many traveling overnight to escape the intense heat. Temporary camps were set up across foothill villages such as Haludbani, Phadlugora, Asanbani, Jamdih, Mirjadih, and Bonta. At daybreak on Monday, groups ventured into the forest for the symbolic hunt, returning later in the day.
Organizers ensured compliance with regulations, setting up checkpoints to restrict prohibited items like traps and firearms. Close coordination with forest authorities helped maintain a balance between tradition and conservation.
A distinctive feature of the festival is the inclusion of hunting dogs. These animals accompany participants, and any catch is shared equally among all members—including the dogs—reflecting a deep-rooted value of equality and mutual respect.
Despite the pace of modern life, the Sendra Festival continues to stand as a powerful reminder of the tribal community’s enduring bond with nature and their commitment to preserving cultural heritage.