Jani Shikar Festival Celebrates Tribal Heritage and Women’s Courage, Says Minister

Shilpi Neha Tirkey, the Minister of Agriculture of Jharkhand, stated that the Jani Shikar festival is a significant cultural event for the Uraon community, observed every twelve years. The festival serves as a reminder of the Rohtasgarh victory, where tribal women fought against the Mughals. The festival features women taking on male roles and engaging in hunting activities, which is a display of their valor and bravery. The Minister was addressing the Jani Shikar festival 2025 in Assam, which was jointly organized by the All Tribal Women’s Association of Assam and the All Tribal Students Association of Assam. During her address at the Dibrugarh District Library auditorium, Minister Tirkey, the chief guest, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions. She also discussed the persistent issues faced by the tribal communities in Assam. These include exploitation, lack of access to proper healthcare, education, and fair wages, and the ongoing struggle for inclusion in the ST list. The Minister also highlighted that the fight for women’s empowerment has been carried out for 200 years. She expressed concerns about the attempts to redefine the tribal community’s identity and the efforts to undermine their fundamental rights. The event was attended by prominent figures, including UNESCO co-chairperson Dr. Sonajharia Minj.