Sarna (place)
Place for religious activities of followers of Sarnaism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Sarna is a place of worship for Adivasi groups in the Chotanagpur region of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha.[1][2][3] It is a sacred grove, where people gather to celebrate local festivals and perform rituals.[4]
Significance
Ritual
Each year people gather to offer sacrifices to Singbonga ("Sun Deity"), Jaher Budhi, Buru Bonga, and to their ancestors, to ensure a good harvest and safety. The village priest in the Chotanagpur region is known as a Pahan or a Laya. The Pahan is assisted by another priest called the "deori". Animal sacrifice, specifically Goat or Hen sacrifice, is a common practice. Cooked meat is eaten with 'tapan' (liquor).[4] Most notably, the festival Sarhul, a spring festival takes place in a Sarna.[6][7]
Several indigenous peoples, including the Santals, call such practices "Sarnaism", a distinct religion from Hinduism.[8][9] The Santals, call their sacred groves "Jaher" and their village priest "Naike".[10][11]