Sarhul dance festival is celebrated by the Sarna community to mark the commencement of a new year as per the Hindu calendar. This festival is a celebration of the Adivasis living in Jharkhand. The village folks perform the Sarhul dance during the Sarhul festival.
Sarhul Festival
The Sarhul festival begins with a lot of enthusiasm among the people on the third day of Chaitra month. It is a festival of the springtime. The tribal people greet the new year by praying to the trees and all manifestations of Mother Nature that she provides to sustain mankind.
The literal translation of the word Sarhul is the “worship of Sal”. Sal is a tree that bears new flowers at this time of the year. It marks the start of something new and fresh. The festivities last for multiple days, and various groups perform the Sarhul dance throughout the festival.
Sarhul Dance Performance
The Sarhul dance reflects the excitement and festive mood that the tribal people have during the celebrations. The dance is open to both men and women of all ages.
A unique formation is made by the performers during the Sarhul dance. The women stand hand in hand, forming a circle. The men who play musical instruments are inside the circle. The men also move around in a circular pattern. The first move involves moving one step inside the circle, and the next step they move out. The women hold each other on the waist and move in unison.
The men support the different types of drums with bands around their neck and make a line and move in the inner circle. They move in a rhythmic movement, slightly bending the body forward in one beat and moving backwards in the next.
The entire performance includes the playing of tribal music using traditional instruments. Some locals also sing the Sarhul songs which are a narration of the beliefs and history of the tribe.
Attire in Sarhul Dance
Just like most tribal dances, men and women are dressed in combinations of white and red in Sarhul dance. Women wrap a white saree with red border and men wear white dhotis with a red border. The men wear a white turban. A white sleeveless vest is worn on the top.
Women accessorize the look with earrings, anklets, wristbands and necklaces. The hair is nicely tied up into a bun and flowers are tucked into it.
The Sarhul dance and the festival is a celebration that brings the whole community together. It is now a very popular festival in Jharkhand. The state declares a holiday on this day. The festivities are no longer just limited to the tribes, with people from all sections and religions enjoying the Sarhul festival.
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