The long-standing demand for a Sarna religious code for Jharkhand's tribal communities has gained renewed momentum. On Friday, hundreds of tribal men and women, dressed in traditional attire, took to the streets in Dhanbad district and staged a peaceful sit-in at Randir Verma Chowk. Chanting slogans like "No Sarna code, no census," the protestors urged the central government to take swift action on this issue.
March with Traditional Attire, Bows and Arrows, and Drums
The protestors organized a unity march through the city, with young and old, men and women participating in traditional costumes, turbans, floral garlands, and Sarna flags. Carrying bows and arrows and beating drums, they demonstrated their unity and cultural heritage in their pursuit of recognition for the Sarna religion. The march started from Dhanbad station and culminated at Randir Verma Chowk, where a rally was held. Several Sarna religious leaders, social activists, and young leaders addressed the gathering.
Main Demand: Recognition of a Separate "Sarna Religion" Column in the Census
The main objective of the protest was to include 'Sarna' as an independent religion in the religion column of the census. Sarna followers maintain that they are neither Hindu, Muslim, nor Christian – their religion is nature itself, and it deserves constitutional recognition. Birsa Soren, a tribal youth leader present at the event, stated: "We worship the jungle, mountains, and nature. Classifying us as 'other' is tantamount to erasing our identity."
Announcement of Legal and Constitutional Battle
Speakers declared that if the central government does not approve the Sarna code before the 2026 census, a people's movement will be launched across Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Budhram Tudu, president of the Dhanbad Sarna Committee, asserted that the Sarna religious code is not merely a political demand; it is a question of our existence, connected to our very soul. He also reminded everyone of the resolution passed in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in 2020, which was sent to the central government but remains unaddressed.
Stringent security measures were in place during the protest. The City SP, DSP, and a large contingent of police personnel were deployed. However, the protest remained entirely peaceful. The administration assured the protestors that their memorandum of demands would be forwarded to the state government.
What is the Sarna Religion?
Sarna is the traditional religion of tribal communities, involving the worship of nature, water, forests, and land. It emphasizes public worship, simplicity, and a communal lifestyle. Most Sarna followers reside in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Bihar. In censuses, they are often categorized under "other," leading to inaccurate representation of their numbers and social identity.
