Ronal Festival of Kharia Tribe

Ronal or Bangart festival known as the transplantation festival by the Kharia Tribe is celebrated on both communal and family levels. The festival highlights their culture and traditions, providing a distinctive quality of their own.

Ronal or Bangart festival is first performed by a Kalo in the Pahnai land. Later other villagers pursue them in their respective land. This festival is generally performed in the month of Sawan (July-August) when seedlings get matured. A particular day is fixed by the tribals for the festival. The Kalo appointed by the Kharias observes fast since the night proceeding the day of festival. He awakes early in the morning and after taking bath, offers sacrifice of two to five fowls to the Khunt pat. When two fowls are sacrificed, the Rangua (red) is meant for khunt and another, Mala (spotted), for pat. However, when five fowls are sacrificed three other fowls are added; Charka (white), Karia (Black) and Kashri (Gray). These are sacrificed in the name of Churil, Darha and Goria respectively. On the day of observance, the Kalo takes seedlings to the field for transplantation. Prior to this, he first takes the seeds of Maso (Urad), Kurthi, Jatangi wild cotton, Lotni and sets them at different five spots within a few square feet. Then by the side of these five spots, five sheaves of paddy seedlings are transplanted. Following this, the seed transplantation ceremony commences.

Upon returning home, the Kalo serves rice beer and quality food to few selected members of his community. The night is spent in singing, dancing and merry making. Later on this performance is observed individually by different families.

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