Jharkhand temple festivals include the various religious and social festivals which are celebrated in the different regional temples of this eastern Indian state. Chath Puja, Holi, Deepavali, Dussehra, Ramnavami, etc. are some of the famous temples festivals of Jharkhand. Other festivals like `Basant Panchami` and `Jityya Bhaiya Duj` are also religiously significant in Jharkhand. Jharkhand is a land of tribal population and many tribal festivities are still celebrated in temples and other sacred premises. Jharkhand temple festivals of the tribes include `Karma`, `Manda`, `Sarhul`, `Jani Shikar` and many others.
Shivaratri is an important festival in Jharkhand, celebrated elegantly in almost all the temples of the state. This Jharkhand temple festival has an adjacent `Kunda Mela`, especially held in Pratappur. This mela is held at the time of `Phalgun` Shivratri and is marked by a big trade of cattle. `Kolhua Mela` in Hunterganj is another traditional festivity of Jharkhand, held twice in a year during `Magh Basant Panchami` and `Chaitra Ramnavami` respectively. There is a beautiful lake and ancient temple of Goddess Kali on the top of the hill. This religious fair in Jharkhand is a vital celebration in the state. Durga Puja is one of the most important Jharkhand temple festivals and this Puja is performed in both temples and community pandals. `Chatra Mela` is said to have started from 1882 and is principally a cattle fair held during Durga Puja in Jharkhand.
`Kundri Mela` in Chatra, commemorates Karthik Puja in Jharkhand. Amongst several Jharkhand temple festivals, Kundri Mela started in 1930, is held on Kartik Purnima, and is mainly cattle fair.
Magh Basant Panchami is one of the Jharkhand temple festivals and the `Kolhaiya Mela` in Chatra is held during this festival. The probable year of this festival`s commencement is 1925. Kolhaiya Mela is held on Magh Basant Panchami and is principally, cattle fair. `Tutilawa Mela` in Simaria started in 1935 and is principally a cattle fair held on Phalgun Purnima; the offerings are done to the deities in the temples. `Aghan Purnima` is another Jharkhand temple festival and `Lawalong Mela` is associated to its celebration since 1880. `Belgada Mela` in Simaria is another religious festival started in 1920 and held in `Baisakh Purnima`. `Bhadli Mela` in Itkhori is one of the Jharkhand temple festivals, where people worship the ancient temple of Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. It is a religious gathering on `Makar Sankranti`. `Sangharo Mela` in Chatra is held in Sawan Purnima in Jharkhand.
Jharkhand temple festivals are some of the most joyous festivities of the state. `Barura Sharif` commemorates the worshiping of the shrine of Data Amir Ali Shah at Barura Sharif on the bank of Sat Bahini River in Pratappur. As per some mythological tales, the Sufi saints came here in the latter half of the 18th century. The Hindus and Muslims come to this sacred spot to pay respect to the reverend saint at his `Mazaar`. This sacred place is highly enveloped by many superstitions and people suffering from evil spirits come here in large number and get cured. `Sangat` is one of the Jharkhand temple festivals. The event is associated with the `Udasi Panth` of Sikh doctrine, held in Gudri Bazar Mohalla of Chatra. An old script of the Holy Gurugranth Saheb is narrated on this day. The doctrine is established at this place and is kept in high esteem by the Sikhs and the Hindus as well. Thus, Chatra is an emblem of communal harmony where the Hindus, the Muslims and the Sikhs reside in peace and harmony. Jharkhand temple festivals have established the religious integrity and harmony amongst the people.
