সাঁওতাল জাতির ‘বাহা পরব’ : প্রকৃতি ও পরিবেশ ভাবনার প্রেক্ষিতে একটি পর্যালোচনা / The Santals ‘Baha Festival’ : A Review in the context of Nature and Environment thought

Abstract

According to anthropologists The Santal tribe, belonging to the Proto-Australoid branch, is considered one of the oldest indigenous communities. Their socio-cultural, religious, and spiritual life is deeply intertwined with nature, fostering a profound ecological awareness. The Santals hold a deep reverence for nature, perceiving divinity in elements such as water, air, soil, hills, rivers, animals, and other living beings. This reverence is expressed through their cultural practices and rituals, which celebrate and honor the natural world. Among these, the Bahá Festival stands out as a significant nature-centric festival, symbolizing fertility and the symbiotic relationship between society and the environment. The festival reflects the Santal worldview of ecological harmony, emphasizing the interdependence of forests, trees, and humans. Beyond its religious and spiritual importance, Bahá festival embodies traditional perspectives on environmental consciousness and sustainable living. This paper explores the cultural and ecological significance of the Bahá Festival, highlighting its role in promoting environmental awareness and fostering harmony with nature.