The Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Odisha, and Bangladesh celebrate Karam, a harvest festival. It is devoted to worshipping the god of strength, youth, and youthfulness, Karam-Devta (Karam-Lord/God). Good health and a bountiful harvest are honoured during the festival.
The celebration takes place on the eleventh day of the Hindu month of Bhadra, which falls between August and September, on the full moon (Purnima). Single girls cultivate seedlings for seven to nine days.
The following day, young villagers walk in groups into the woods to gather wood, fruits, and flowers. These are necessary for doing the Karam God's puja (worship). People sing and dance in groups at this time. Everybody in the valley starts dancing to the "Day of the Phases" drumbeat. Many different communities, including Munda, Ho, Oraon, Bengal, Baiga, Binjhwari, Bhumij, Karia, Kudmi, Karamali, Lohra, Korwa, and many more, celebrate the Karam festival.
This celebration honours a bountiful crop. Nine different types of seeds, including rice, wheat, maise and others, are sown in a basket known as a Jawa. Depending on the area, a local priest, known as a Pahan or Dehuri, pays homage to the god who bestows prosperity and progeny by offering whisky and germinated grains.
There are two methods to celebrate the holiday. First of all, the villagers usually host it on the village street, and they split the costs of the alcohol and other expenses. Alternatively, a man invites everyone to celebrate it in his courtyard under his patronage. Liquor is also provided as entertainment for those who show up unannounced and listen to the sound of drums. Here are a few of the delectable dishes that you can find at the celebration.
Explore Festive Delicacies During Karam Festival Of Jharkhand
“Food plays a central role in Jharkhand's festivals and celebrations, serving as a symbol of community, culture, and tradition. Each festival is accompanied by specific dishes that hold cultural and ritualistic significance, reflecting the region’s deep connection to its land and heritage”, according to Celebrity Chef Nishant Choubey. Here are few delicacies to explore:
Handia
Fermented rice is used to make Jharkhand's traditional rice beer, Handia. The first step in the procedure involves boiling rice and combining it with "ranu" tablets. After that, the mixture is sealed and fermented for a few days in an earthen pot. The handia has great cultural significance during the Karam Festival because it represents the connection that unites the community and encourages celebration. Locals congregate to partake in this beverage, which is thought to bring wealth and well-being.
Dhuska
Soaked rice and split chickpeas are combined to make a batter for Dhaka. When the batter is done, it is formed into small, round, crispy pancakes and deep-fried in oil. The inside of the dhuska is soft and slightly spongy, with a crispy exterior. Dhuska is an offering to the gods distributed among family and community members during the Karam Festival. The ingredients are usually fresh from the most recent harvest, so they represent abundance and the harvest.
Arsa
A classic sweet delicacy prepared with rice flour and jaggery is called arsa. It is frequently consumed during the Karam Festival as a snack. The meal represents simplicity and purity, signifying the tight ties that bind the people to their homeland. During the festival, arsa is frequently shared with family and friends to highlight the richness of social relationships.
Gujia
The dough is formed into crescent shapes by rolling it out into small circles, filling it with the sweet ingredients, and deep-frying until golden brown. Gujia is a celebratory treat that is especially enjoyed during the Karam Festival. It represents the sweetness of life and the richness of tradition.
Mahua
The Mahua tree's blossoms are harvested, sun-dried and fermented to make mahua liquor. Mahua has an aftertaste that is slightly acidic and has a sweet flavour. Mahua is a beverage and a cultural icon among Jharkhand's tribal groups. It is consumed as a symbol of prosperity.