Sarhul is a festival celebrated during spring by the

Sarhul is a major spring festival celebrated by various tribal communities in the Chota Nagpur plateau region, most notably the Santhals, Oraons, and Mundas. The festival marks the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated when the Sal trees (Shorea robusta) blossom with new flowers. While the provided text mentions other Santhal festivals like Bandhan or Sohrai [1] and Karma [1], Sarhul remains their primary spring celebration. The Santhals, who are primarily animists residing in states like Jharkhand and Odisha, worship nature and village deities such as Jahir-Era [1]. During Sarhul, the Sal flowers are offered to the deities, symbolizing the rejuvenation of nature. The festival involves traditional music, dance, and communal feasting, reflecting the deep cultural connection the Santhal society has with their environment and agricultural cycles [2].

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > The Santhals > p. 34
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 13: Cultural Setting > The Santhals > p. 33