Baha Festival: The Flower Festival and its Role in the Cultural Life of the Santal Community in West Bengal

Author(s)	Dr. Sunil Kumar Baskey, Mr. Sanjit Kr Majhi
Country	India
Abstract	The Baha Festival, known as the Flower Festival of the Santal community in West Bengal, is an important cultural and religious celebration that marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of life in nature. Deeply rooted in the traditions of the Santal tribe, the festival highlights their close relationship with forests, flowers and the changing seasons. It is usually celebrated in the month of March, when flowers like Sal and Mahua blooms, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. The festival begins with rituals performed at the sacred grove (Jaher Than) under the guidance of the village priest, known as the Naike and additional priest Kudam Naike. Offerings are made to nature and ancestral deities to seek blessings for prosperity, health and protection. Along with religious practices, Baha Festival also includes traditional music, dance and communal gatherings, which strengthen social bonds and cultural identity. Thus, the Baha Festival serves as a vital expression of the Santal community’s heritage in West Bengal, promoting unity, cultural preservation and harmony with nature.
Keywords	Baha Festival, Santal Community, Tribal Culture, Indigenous Traditions, Spring Season, Sal and Mahua Flowers, Jaher Than (Sacred Grove), Nature Worship, Folk Dance and Music, Baha Dah Ceremony.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-03
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.73235

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