Source: IE
Context: The Karma or Karam festival is a significant tribal harvest celebration, centered around the worship of the Karam tree, symbolizing Karam Devta, the god of strength, youth, and vitality.
- Celebrated by tribes such as the Munda, Oraon, Ho, and Santhal across states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, the festival marks the agricultural season.
- Rituals include planting a Karam tree branch in the courtyard, dancing, singing, and offerings to ensure a good harvest.
- Myths around the festival often feature stories of seven brothers who suffer hardships after neglecting the Karam tree, underscoring the deep connection between the festival, mythology, and agricultural practices.
The Karam tree (scientifically known as Adina cordifolia) is a deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, found in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
It plays a significant role in both ecology and culture, particularly among tribal communities.
