Seraikella Kharsawan District has a large population of scheduled tribes. Most of the population depends on agriculture and forest products for their livelihood. Culture of Seraikella Kharsawan District exhibits an amalgamation of tribal and non tribal beliefs and non tribal beliefs and practices. The main inhabitants of the district are Santhal Tribe, Ho and Oraon tribes. Non tribal population includes Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs Buddhists and Jains. Tribal folks of the district along with the non tribal population are deeply involved in religious faiths and practices.
The majority population of Ho community of the district are dependent on cultivation. People of Ho community are nature lovers and believe in Sarna religion. The sacred grove of the village is known as Sarna place or Jahira and it is believed that the village God Desauli lives there along with his consort. Naser Bonga is the God of water who lives in water. Main deities of Ho community are:
Sing Bonga
Sing Bonda is the main deity of this community. He is believed to be the sole creator of nature.
Marang Bonga
Marang Bonga is greatly worshipped in times of difficulties. He is the most important God of the community after Sing Bonga.
Deshauli
Deshauli is considered to be the village God who provides nourishment to all the living beings including human beings, birds, animals and trees. He is also believed to save everyone from trouble, diseases and natural calamities.
Pawnee
Pawnee is another deity who is an associate of Deshauli and lives on hills.
Bindi Era and Nage Era
They are water Goddesses who live in ponds and lakes.
People of Ho community have `Andi` at their homes which is referred to a separate kitchen cum worship room. After the demise of a family member, their soul is established in Andi and is regularly worshipped. During difficult times, prayers are offered to these souls with a belief that they would keep their family in peace and good health. Hadanko-Tudanko is the name given to these souls which refers to elders in sleeping stage.
Deuri is the term for a priest who worships Bongas on significant festivals. In the worships, prayers are offered along with the offering of fowl and rice bear. Tribal communities believe that the evil spirits cause diseases which are cured by worshiping Hindu deities like Dehima, Kalima, Durgama, Hanman Bir etc along with tribal deities.
Idol worship is not practiced in this region. The tribal folks are highly practical are mostly concerned about bringing happiness in the world. According to them, death is caused due to escape of soul through eyes, mouth or nostrils. Usually the soul is believed to be invisible but it may also appear in any form. No belief of concepts like hell and heaven is found among the community people. A number of fairs and festivals of Seraikella Kharsawan District make the place culturally enriched. Perfect communal harmony is evident in the celebrations.
