KARMA PUJA

Current Context : The Prime Minister greeted the nation, especially tribal communities, on the occasion of Karma Puja.

About Karma Puja

• Also called Karam or Karam Parab.
• Type: Tribal festival linked with harvest and fertility.
• Sacred Symbol: Karam tree (represents prosperity and auspiciousness).

Where Celebrated

• States: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam.
• Communities: Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, Santhal.

Celebration

• Women sow seven types of grains a week before.
• A Karam tree branch is planted in the courtyard or akhra.
• Worship by the pahan (tribal priest) with flowers and songs.
• Ends with immersion of the branch in a river or pond.