Rajshahi University hosts Karam Puja, celebrates Oraon heritage

The traditional religious and social festival of the Oraon community, Karam Puja, was celebrated at Rajshahi University for the first time, with devotees praying for peace, prosperity and a good harvest.

The two-day festival began yesterday (September 18) evening at the open stage of the university’s Central Shaheed Minar. It concluded this evening with the immersion of a branch of the Karam tree.

A rally was held on this morning as part of the celebrations. It was followed by a discussion and a cultural programme.

For the Oraon community, the Karam tree is a symbol of purity, welfare and prosperity. Students participating in the festival said the festival has been observed for generations at the beginning of the Bangla month of Ashwin.

According to tradition, both men and women fast from sunrise to sunset. Later, they collect a branch of the Karam tree while singing and dancing and place it on an altar.

The main rituals include religious ceremonies, traditional dances, songs and folk tales. Men and women in colourful attire perform dances in rows as part of the celebrations.

The Oraon community believes that Karam Puja helps protect people from natural disasters, floods and droughts. They also believe it brings a good harvest, happiness and prosperity to families and communities.

Rice, lentils and money are collected from households as part of the festival. These are then used to arrange meals for relatives and invited guests.
 

Image

Chhobi Bir, a student of the university’s Department of Zoology, said, “We are celebrating this festival on campus for the first time as indigenous people from the plains. We are truly happy to receive a response and a positive atmosphere that has exceeded our expectations.”

For Lalu Sardar, a local resident, Karam Puja holds deep significance. “Karam Puja is our biggest and most important festival. Its main purpose is to pray for the wellbeing of our families and community. We believe observing the festival protects our homes, children and family members from diseases and various dangers,” he said.
 

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Image

Ranikanta Tiki, founding president of Bangladesh Oraon Cultural Forum (Oraon BD), said the festival continues to play an important role in preserving Oraon traditions.

“The enthusiasm surrounding it has not diminished. Rather, opportunities and interest in celebrating it among indigenous communities living in the plains have increased significantly,” he said.

Read more

Dinu Billah celebrated through music and memories

Image

“If you do not become educated in modern education, you will fall behind. So, send your children to schools, colleges and universities. They can become doctors or engineers and establish themselves in every field. Never consider yourselves inferior. Present yourselves to the wider society and work for the welfare of the country,” he said.