Sarna Dharma

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is keeping the Sarna Code issue alive in its election campaign, especially in tribal areas

- Md Asghar Khan

Thirty-one-year-old Guddu Pahan's house is located in the Chadri locality of Ranchi's Albert Ekka Chowk. Pahan, who belongs to the Munda tribe, is struggling to earn his livelihood. He is one of many tribals whose lives have been upended by the expansion of the settlement. In front of the 10 by 10 room made of asbestos, which Pahan calls home, is the Chadri's Sarna place of worship. This is where tribal communities gather to celebrate the Sarhul and Karma festivals. Pahan has been performing the duties of a priest for the tribal community for the last 13 years. Pointing to the newly constructed buildings nearby, he says, "All these spots where you see new buildings used to be our Chadri land. Someday, we are going to lose our house too."

However, when you mention the Sarna religion, Pahan's sadness vanishes. He thinks that if the Sarna Code comes into effect, they will be able to reclaim their lost land and their rights, which have been infringed upon. The advocates of Sarna consider this religion to be different from others. Sarna followers are nature worshippers whose culture and traditions are unique. They worship trees, plants, mountains and nature in its various manifestations. Apart from Jharkhand, most of the Sarna population is found in Bengal, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.