Ranchi comes alive as it celebrates Sohrai, a cherished festival deeply rooted in Jharkhand’s cultural tapestry. This annual celebration, held after Kartik Amavasya, is a profound expression of gratitude towards the land’s bounty and the animals that are integral to agricultural life. The ‘Brihad Jharkhand Sanskriti Kala Manch’ orchestrated a magnificent ‘Thahre Sohrai’ event in the state capital, attracting a diverse crowd of cultural aficionados to Morabadi Maidan. The gathering was a true reflection of Jharkhand’s unity, with people from tribal, indigenous, and all community strata participating with enthusiasm.
The festivities included a vibrant procession where participants, adorned in traditional attire, danced and sang their way through the city. The route, spanning SSP Chowk, Redium Road, and Kachahari Chowk, culminated at Jaipal Singh Stadium. Devendranath Mahto, a prominent figure and Vice President of the ‘Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha’, also joined the Sohrai march, underscoring the festival’s broad appeal.
At Jaipal Singh Stadium, the official opening of the Akhada exhibition featured a solemn ceremony of garlanding the statue of Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda. The extensive procession led to temporary traffic disruptions, necessitating swift action from traffic authorities to restore normalcy. The stadium’s Sohrai Akhada grounds buzzed with energy as attendees celebrated with music and dance. Traditional customs and melodies performed by women added a special charm, complemented by vibrant artistic presentations from celebrated regional performers. The essence of Sohrai, celebrating the new crops, agricultural implements, and the bond with cattle, was palpable throughout the event.