Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren plays mandar (a traditional drum) on the occasion of Sarhul held at Tribal College hostel campus in Ranchi on Saturday (March 21, 2026).
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, accompanied by his wife—MLA Kalpana Soren on Saturday (March 21, 2026) participated in the Sarhul festival in Ranchi.
Participating in the festival organised to mark the nature festival of Sarhul, the Chief Minister performed prayers and rituals in accordance with traditional customs, praying for the welfare of all the residents of Jharkhand.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Soren said that today is a day filled with enthusiasm and jubilation.
“For the tribal community, it marks a momentous occasion. Every year, we have gathered in these very premises; we shall continue to visit in the future, and we shall continue to meet with all of you,” Mr. Soren said.
The Chief Minister remarked that just as their ancestors entrusted them with the responsibility of upholding rich traditions—such as the Sarhul Festival— “We shall pass on the responsibility of preserving these traditions to the shoulders of the coming generations, “he asserted.
Mr. Soren emphasised that there is no form of worship greater than the worship of nature and it was within nature that all things are created, and into nature it eventually merges.
The Chief Minister asserted that had nature not existed, there would be no living beings—neither humans nor animals—in this world.
He further said that the entire system has been created and established by nature, and the tribal community holds an unwavering faith in this natural order.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) president, Mr. Soren, doubted the festive joy of the Sarhul festival held at the Tribal College Hostel Campus—by playing the Mandar (a traditional drum).
“It is essential for all of us to connect with nature because our own existence is dependent upon the safety and preservation of nature. In today’s materialistic era, life is lived amidst constant hustle and bustle. With foresight and meticulous planning, our ancestors established certain systems—rooted in a long-term vision—that enabled us to gather together, within a common pavilion, under a single roof, or beneath the shade of a tree,” Mr. Soren said.
He added, “We must remain committed to upholding and carrying forward these traditions. Let us all resolve to protect nature and, in doing so, safeguard our own lives.”
Mr. Soren remarked that it is not merely human beings who were rejoicing, but nature itself.
“We should undoubtedly take pride in the fact that we are devotees of a system—a way of life—from which all life originates, “he said.
Published – March 22, 2026 02:45 am IST
