Santals Community

The Santals

The Santals are ther largest Adivasi community in the plains. They are concentrated in ther greater Rajshahi, Rangpur, Thakurgaon and Cahapainawabganj districts of the North-western region of Bangladesh. There are also some Santals among the tea garden communities in Sylhet, Maulvi Bazar and Habiganj districts. According to 1991 census, the number of Santal was 202,162. But the people of this community claim their number is higher than the government estimate. The Santals call themselves “Hor Hopon”, which means human being. The Hihiri-Piriri is said to be their ancient habitat. In 1833, the British government sanctioned them a separate place named Santal Pargana. The Santals are part of the Proto-Austral race. Their language originated from Austro-Asiatic language family. Tere are twelve clans or paris in the Santal society. It is hightl prohibited to make any marital relations within the same clan. The name of ancient Santla religion was Sari Sarna that teaches them to remain in love with Nature.

The cultural life of the Santals (one of the first people to populate India ten to 20 thousands years ago) has enriched Bangla language and culture in many ways. However, sadly enough, one of the oldest peoples of the Indian sub-continent is faced with changes and challenges traditions an heritage. Nevertheless, the Santals demonstrate their willingness to hold on their distinct cultural heritage.

Santals Festivals

Dasai Festival and Dance:

Dasai is a Santal festival. Many tunes and dances originated form it. There is hearsay that Dasai festival is related with the story of Ramachandra’s conquering of Lanka. King Ramachandra killed Ravana(ruler of Lanka) by worshipping Goddess Shrichandi. The Santals believe that Ram is their king and they are his lost subjects. King Rama will find them when they will have completed 70 graves on the top of one grave. The followers of Rama arrange this festival to seek help of Shrichandi for salvation from war, epidemic, diseases, despair etc.

Sarjom Festival Dance:

Sarjom is a traditional Santal festival. At this festival, Santal women put fresh sal flowers in their topknots and men eagerly await the taste of the homemade alcoholic beverage. They arrange marriage of the sal trees with the Bonbibi (goddess of the forest) for the protection of the sal trees.

Baha Festival and Dance:

This is a very favorite festival of the Santals. Actually, the spring festival is the Baha Festival. In this festival the Santal women put wild flowers in their topknots and get deeply engaged in singing and dancing.