In an effort to safeguard their ancestral customs, the Santal community in Baramsia village, Jamá block, Dumka, has commenced weekly worship at their sacred ‘Manjhi Thaan’. This significant cultural undertaking was initiated by social worker Sachidanand Soren in conjunction with the village’s ‘Manjhi Baba’ and other key community elders. The ‘Manjhi Thaan Bonga Buru’ (worship) involved a collective prayer session where villagers of all ages participated. Prior to the ceremony, the sacred site was purified. The community offered traditional prayers with reverence, including incense and food offerings. It has been decided that these worship services will be held every Sunday henceforth.
Villagers believe that these regular collective prayers are crucial for maintaining their religious devotion and cultural distinctiveness. The worship is dedicated to Marang Buru, the paramount deity of the Santal tribes. The fundamental objectives behind this revival are to foster a stronger sense of community, achieve spiritual enlightenment, and ensure the continuity of their cultural heritage. The initiative specifically aims to involve young people and children, encouraging them to embrace their traditions with pride and guiding them toward constructive lifestyles. The ‘Manjhi Thaan Bonga Buru’ is seen as a powerful tool for social integration, fostering peace, prosperity, and camaraderie. Furthermore, prayers were offered for the comprehensive development of the younger generation, with specific emphasis on positive behaviors such as avoiding intoxicants, pursuing education, and honoring parents and elders. The event concluded with the sharing of prasad.