Q. Karma Festival, recently seen in the news, is primarily associated with which ritual?
Answer:
Harvest and tribute to the Karam tree
Notes: Tribal communities in several Indian states recently celebrated the harvest festival of Karma or Karam Parv. Karma Puja honors the Karam tree, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness. The festival began with the start of agriculture by tribal communities. A week before, young women plant seven types of grains in clean sand. On the festival day, a Karam tree branch is planted in a courtyard, and the priest worships the Karam Raja. The celebration includes traditional dancing, singing, and offerings. The Karam branch is later immersed in water, and Jawa flowers are distributed. It is mainly celebrated by Munda, Ho, Oraon, and other tribes in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.