Bhadu Utsav: Songs of Devotion in the Hills (September Mid)
Bhadu is a beloved folk festival of Purulia, celebrated during the month of Bhadro with heartfelt devotion and cultural flair. Dedicated to Princess Bhadravati, the festival revolves around the singing of Bhadu gaan by young village girls. These songs express love, longing, and the spirit of womanhood in rural life. Nightly gatherings, fairs, and community participation create a festive mood throughout the region. Clay idols of Bhadu are worshipped with reverence and later immersed in water. Bhadu not only preserves oral traditions but also empowers young girls through art and faith. It is one of the most expressive celebrations of feminine spirit in Purulia’s folk culture.
Gajan: A Festival of Faith and Joy (April)
Gajan is one of Purulia’s most dramatic and spiritual folk festivals, held at the end of Chaitra in honour of Lord Shiva and Dharmathakur. Sannyasis dressed in striking attire perform rituals of penance like firewalking, body piercing, and symbolic marriages. The famous Charak Puja on the final day includes jaw-dropping acts like hook swinging, watched by large village gatherings. Despite the physical trials, the mood is festive, filled with drums, dances, and spiritual chants. Women also take part through rituals and fasting, seeking blessings for their families. Gajan in Purulia is both a sacred devotion and a theatrical cultural expression, rooted deeply in rural beliefs and dramatic folk performance.
Bandna: A Festival of Cattle and Gratitude (October / November)
Bandna is a traditional tribal festival of Purulia, celebrated mainly by the Santhal and Kurmi communities during the month of Kartik. It pays tribute to domestic cattle, which are considered vital to agrarian life. Homes and cattle sheds are cleaned and beautifully decorated with alpana and colours. Cattle are bathed, adorned with garlands, and offered special treats as a mark of gratitude. Folk songs, dances, and rituals are performed around the household courtyard under moonlit skies. The festival celebrates harmony between humans, animals, and nature in rural Purulia. Bandna reflects deep cultural values, agricultural reliance, and the region’s rich tribal heritage.
Chata Parab: A Festival of Unity and Joy (September 17-18)
Chata Parab is a colourful tribal festival celebrated by the Munda and Ho communities in the tribal belts of Purulia. Observed post-harvest, it is a joyful expression of gratitude to nature and ancestral spirits. Villagers gather for traditional group dances, rhythmic music, and rituals that invoke blessings for the coming seasons. The entire village participates in feasting and folk celebrations, reinforcing tribal identity and social harmony. It’s a time when oral traditions and folklore are passed down across generations. The cultural pride of the indigenous communities is beautifully reflected in this unique celebration.
Jhapan: A Festival of Snakes and Worship (17th August)
Jhapan is a vibrant folk festival of Purulia, celebrated in honour of the serpent goddess Manasa. Held during the monsoon month of Shravan, it seeks divine protection from snakebites. The festival comes alive with fearless performances by snake charmers, who display live snakes on bamboo platforms called jhapan. Women devotees sing panchali, offer prayers, and observe fasts for family well-being. Local fairs, folk songs, and dramatic rituals turn this into a major community celebration. The rural belief system and reverence for nature come alive during Jhapan. It reflects Purulia’s deep-rooted connection with folk deities and traditional healing practices. The festival also showcases the bravery and devotion of the local sapureys. Jhapan is a bold, raw, and culturally rich celebration of Purulia’s tribal faith and fearless spirit.
Tusu: A Festival of Harvest and Happiness ( Mid January)
Tusu is a heartwarming harvest festival widely celebrated in Purulia during Makar Sankranti. It is especially cherished by young girls who sing Tusu gaan, create handmade idols, and offer prayers for a prosperous future. The songs echo through the villages, carrying themes of devotion, rural struggle, and unity. Decorative idols are immersed in rivers in colourful processions on the final day. Local fairs, traditional feasts, and communal joy mark the occasion. Tusu beautifully reflects the strength of rural women and the gratitude of an agrarian society. It is an iconic celebration of sisterhood, simplicity, and folk resilience in Purulia.
Karam: A Festival of Nature and Brotherhood ( 7th September-8th September)
Karam is a deeply rooted tribal festival celebrated with devotion across Purulia, especially among the Oraon, Munda, and other indigenous communities. Held in the month of Bhadro, the festival honours the Karam tree, believed to be the source of strength and prosperity. A branch of the tree is ceremoniously planted in the village courtyard and worshipped with rituals and songs. Youths form dance circles around it, singing traditional Karam gaan late into the night. Women fast and pray for the well-being of their families and agricultural success. The festival strengthens community ties and reaffirms the tribal belief in living in harmony with nature. Karam is not just a ritual – it is a joyful celebration of life, harvest, and unity in rural Purulia.
Baha: A Festival of Flowers and Harmony (Feb-March)
Baha is one of the most vibrant and soulful festivals of Purulia, celebrated by the Santal community with deep reverence for nature. Held during spring, it marks the blooming season and is dedicated to the spirits of flowers and forests. The air fills with the rhythms of tribal drums, flutes, and traditional songs as villagers come together in colorful attire. Women adorn themselves with flowers, and the graceful Baha dance brings alive the essence of tribal harmony. Visitors are warmly welcomed to witness this rare cultural celebration steeped in ancestral wisdom and earth-worship. The festival is not just a ritual, but a living tradition that binds people to nature in the most joyful way. For cultural explorers and nature lovers, Baha offers an unforgettable glimpse into Purulia’s tribal soul.
Final Thought:
Purulia is calling