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Ranchi's Manda Festival Seeks State Status as President Murmu Extends Harvest Greetings

The traditional Manda harvest festival was celebrated in Ranchi, featuring the intense ritual of walking barefoot over a burning pyre. Organiser Rajkumar Mahto appealed to the Jharkhand government to grant the centuries-old event the status of a state festival. Separately, President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings for Baisakhi, Vishu, Bihu, and other harvest festivals being celebrated across India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed Baisakhi wishes, highlighting the festival's reflection of farmers' spirit and national unity.

Key Points: Manda Festival in Ranchi Seeks Official State Recognition

  • Manda festival involves walking barefoot over burning pyre
  • Organisers seek official state festival status
  • President Murmu extended greetings for multiple harvest festivals
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also marked Baisakhi
2 min read

Jharkhand: Ranchi celebrates Manda harvest festival, organisers seek state festival status

Ranchi celebrates the traditional Manda harvest festival with fiery rituals. Organisers appeal for state festival status as President Murmu greets the nation on Baisakhi and other harvest festivals.

"This is a historic festival that has been going on for ages... I appeal to the state government to announce this as a state festival. - Rajkumar Mahto"

Ranchi, April 14

People in Ranchi celebrated Manda, a traditional harvest festival marked by intense ritual observance, including a week-long fast followed by the unique practice of walking barefoot over a burning pyre set up at the centre of the festival ground.

Organiser Rajkumar Mahto said that the event is deeply rooted in faith and draws participation from people across all castes, describing it as a centuries-old historic festival.

He has urged the state government to grant it the status of a state festival.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Mahto said, "... This is associated with faith... People from every caste participate in this... This is a historic festival that has been going on for ages... I appeal to the state government to announce this as a state festival."

A day earlier, President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Indians on the eve of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu, which are being celebrated on April 14 and April 15.

In her message, President Murmu said, as per a statement from the President's Secretariat, "On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad"

"These festivals are celebrated in various forms across the country to mark the harvest season. Through these festivals, we express gratitude towards Mother Earth and our Annadata farmers. Our country's rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions and unity also find expression through the celebration of these festivals", as per the statement.

"I wish that these festivals bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of all and inspire us to make significant contributions towards the development of our nation and society".

Further, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended greetings on the occasion of Baisakhi, saying that the festival reflects the spirit of India's farmers, cultural traditions, and core values of unity, hard work, and resilience.

In a post on X, the Defence Minister said the occasion should inspire the nation to move forward with renewed commitment towards inclusive growth and social harmony.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Walking barefoot over burning pyres? That shows immense faith and devotion. It's heartening to hear it brings people from all castes together. Our local festivals are the real threads that weave our social fabric. The state should definitely consider the organiser's appeal.
R
Rohit P
While I respect all traditions, I hope the focus on getting "state festival" status doesn't commercialize or politicize something so pure. Sometimes too much official recognition changes the soul of a community event. Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
The President's message beautifully connects all the different harvest festivals. It's amazing how every region has its own way to thank the earth and farmers. Reading about Manda was new for me - India never ceases to surprise with its depth of culture!
V
Vikram M
Jai Jharkhand! Our tribal festivals are as significant as any mainstream one. Manda deserves recognition. It will boost tourism and give the youth a sense of pride in their roots. The government should act promptly on this.
K
Kavya N
A week-long fast and then such a brave ritual! Our ancestors had such a deep connection with nature and spirituality. In today's fast-paced world, we need to hold onto these traditions. Hope the appeal is heard. 👍

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