UditVani, Jamshedpur: The forested expanse of Dalma Hills resonated with chants, rituals, and community fervour as hundreds of tribal participants assembled to observe the centuries-old Sendra Festival on Monday.
More than a ritual hunt, the annual gathering emerged as a powerful symbol of cultural continuity, collective identity, and a deep-rooted relationship with nature—now increasingly aligned with conservation sensitivities.
Preparations began on Sunday at the foothills near Phadlugora village, where Dalma King Rakesh Hembram led sacred ceremonies invoking forest deities.
Traditional weapons—bows, arrows, spears, and lances—were worshipped, while prayers were offered for the safety of participants, timely rainfall, and a prosperous agricultural season.
The presence of traditional functionaries such as Manki, Munda, Nayke, and Pargana underscored the enduring governance structure within tribal society.
Parallel rituals in Jamdih village, guided by Fakir Soren, drew participation from surrounding settlements including Asanbani, reflecting the widespread cultural significance of the festival across the Kolhan region and adjoining areas of Odisha and West Bengal.
By early morning, groups of Sendra participants—many having travelled overnight—gathered at temporary camps spread across Haludbani, Asanbani, Jamdih and Mirjadih.
The ascent into the hills before sunrise marked the beginning of the symbolic hunt, with participants returning by afternoon.
In recent years, the festival has seen closer coordination between tribal leaders and forest authorities to ensure ecological balance.
Checkpoints were set up to prevent entry with banned items such as traps, snares, and firearms, signalling a conscious shift towards regulated observance.
“While we respect the cultural importance of Sendra, our focus is on ensuring that wildlife is not harmed and forest laws are upheld,” said a senior official of state forest department.
“This year, cooperation from the community has been encouraging, and awareness around conservation is clearly growing, ” he added.
Participants, too, echoed a sense of responsibility alongside tradition. “Sendra is part of our identity—it is about unity, courage, and respect for nature,” said a tribal hunter from Asanbani adding “We are adapting with time and ensuring that our customs do not harm the forests we depend on.”
A distinctive feature of the festival remains the inclusion of hunting dogs, which accompany participants into the forest.
In keeping with tradition, any meat obtained is shared equally among all, including the dogs—symbolizing fairness and the acknowledgment of every contributor’s role.
As modern realities reshape age-old practices, the Sendra festival at Dalma Hills stands at a unique intersection—where heritage meets responsibility.
It continues to serve as a living tradition, preserving the ethos of tribal life while gradually embracing the imperatives of environmental stewardship.
