Tribal youth present a cultural programme in Ranchi College on the eve of Sarhul. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, March 20: Time changes everything and Sarhul — the celebration of nature and all its bounty — seems no exception.

Though the sounds of the mandar, nagara and dhol, traditional instruments used during and for the celebrations, could still be heard in the rural pockets of Jharkhand before Sarhul, they were largely absent in the cities.

The tribal youths seemed more inclined towards using popular CDs to usher in the festival. With the main rituals to begin tomorrow, the capital is gearing up for the festivities and last minute preparations. Fluttering flags, chairs for procession viewers and makeshift shamianas to protect them from the already warm sun, are now being erected with haste near Adivasi hostel, Nagratoli, Siramtoli, Morabadi and Karamtoli Chowk.

Tribal community members are already on a fast and at midnight today they would fill in water into two pitchers that would be then placed in the puja place popularly referred as Sarna. The next day, the pitchers are carried to the place of worship (Sarna), on the day of festival. After the ritual devotees drink water to break their fast.

A post-graduate student of Ranchi College, Arvind Oraon, explains: “In Kuduk, the same festival is called Khadi and in Mundari it is referred as Ba Parab. While at Ram Navami, devotees showcase their strength by taking out a procession, likewise we also take out a procession to show our religious fervour,” added Oraon.

He further adds: “Nowadays, instead of following traditional methods, the rituals are conducted hastily, which has taken a toll on the celebration,” Oraon rued.

He further labelled the haste as a result of cultural “degradation” and asked the youth to be aware of it. His friend, Vishwanath Oraon, a final-year student of Ranchi College, residing at Adivasi Boys’ Hostel, believe that Sarhul has become more of an event to show off new clothes, rather than a time to indulge in religious thoughts.

“The youths, attired in their best, strut around. But it is also a time to make new friends and enjoy the day,” Oraon added. The huge sound boxes playing the latest Nagpuri songs are also part of a new Sarhul trend.

“Our way of celebrating was to be with family and neighbours. Now, Sarhul has become like any other mainstream Hindu festival,” added Kerketta, an economics student at SS Memorial College.