Ranchi, March 15: As Sarhul draws near, the capital’s streets are once more getting cleaner and colourful by the minute.

Flags can be seen fluttering in corners, while members of the tribal community are seen busy collecting donations or chanda.

For Sarhul, to be celebrated on March 21 this year, devotees converge on streets to perform both traditional dances and songs in praise of Mother Nature.

Referred to as Khaddi in Kurukh and Ba Parab in Ho, the nature celebration is all about emotions — pride and hope — all stemming from human’s intrinsic relation with nature.

The holy ritual performed during Sarhul is referred to as Sarna and is celebrated in the month of Baisakha, which also indicates the onset of spring.

For now, preparations are on. Kendriya Sarna Samiti and other tribal organisations are busy hoisting flags in different city areas such as Sarnatoli, Nagratoli, Siramtoli and Morabadi.

While talking to The Telegraph some devotees pointed out that the total cost incurred in the preparation is between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. Committees have been formed in different areas to take care of the preparations. Wait for four more days and the sounds of the mandar would be audible on the city streets.

As a rule before Sarhul, the worshippers go on a fast and from midnight they fill two pitchers with water that is kept in the holy area also referred to as Sarna. These pitchers are then carried to the place of worship on the day of the festival.

A student of the tribal hostel at Morabadi, Anil Bhagat, explained: “The main ritual involves praying to Sakhua or Sal flower. And before Sarhul, use of Sal leaf, flower, or tree, is forbidden.”