A tribal priest, or pahan, forecast good rain this year during a customary monsoon prediction as part of the rituals to ring in Sarhul, the festival of Spring, on the campus of tribal hostel in Morabadi on Monday.

The level of water in two pitchers was used as an indicator of good monsoon by Anand Pahan who performed the rituals of the annual festival associated with the worship of Mother Nature.

“We keep two pitchers full of water on the north and south of the sarna sthal (place of worship). If the water level reduces, we predict less rain and if the water level remains unchanged, we predict good monsoon. This year, the water level remained unchanged. The farmers of the state can expect a good harvest,” Pahan explained.

Teacher of tribal and regional language at Doranda College Birendra Oraon, who was present on the occasion, said the belief reflected the tribals’ centuries-old connection with nature.

“If there is less water in the pitcher placed on the northern side of the sarna sthal, rainfall will be less in the north of the state and more in the south. This year, the water level in both the pitchers is same. It means that the rainfall will be equally distributed across the state and farmers can expect a good crop,” Oraon added.

According to Oraon, the tribals believe that the marriage of earth and the Sun was solemnised on Sarhul.

“Tribals start eating seasonal fruits only after celebrating Sarhul,” he said.

Gopal Singh, chairman and managing director of Central Coalfields Ltd, was present at the event as the chief guest.

Praising tribals for their close association with nature, Singh asked the students to preserve their rich tradition.

“We have started thinking about saving the environment and protecting the nature only recently. But our forefathers were way ahead of us in realising their value. It’s high time we understand the importance of nature. On the occasion of Sarhul, I would like to request tribal students to pay attention to nature besides focusing on their career, family and society,” Singh said.

The regional and tribal language department of Ranchi University also organised a programme on the campus to celebrate Sarhul.

Besides teachers and students, governor Droupadi Murmu and social rights activist and economist Jean Dreze attended the event.

“Tribals believe in community lifestyle and nature. Sarhul festival is its reflection,” Murmu said.

Dreze was noticed dancing with the tribals. Asked for comment, he said, “Just enjoy.”

Later in the evening, a procession was organised in the city.

Tribals from different parts of the city with Sarna flags and dancing on the beat of tribal musical instruments reached Siram Toli amid proper security arrangement.