Kokna Tribe Tradition of Memorials in Stones

Author(s)	Dr. Padmakar Sahare
Country	India
Abstract	The Kokna tribe, heavily populated across regions of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, maintains a distinct ancestral-worship tradition centred around creating wooden and stone memorial pillars known locally as 'Chira,' 'Patli,', Virkhamb or 'Virgal'. These vibrant structures act as living shrines to honour the deceased, often illustrating specific causes of death-such as snakebites or animal attacks-alongside symbolic motifs like the sun, moon, and tiger deities. Interestingly, these multi-generational family pillars are carved by expert local artisans and include depictions of both deceased members, who are coloured with vermilion or paint, and living members, who remain uncoloured. Erected through elaborate community rituals involving traditional offerings and sacrifices, this practice represents an evolution of ancient Hero stone traditions. Today, however, the custom is facing a decline as contemporary worship practices gradually shift.
Keywords	Kokna tribe, 'Chira (memorial stones), carved wood memorial, ancestors, pillars
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-10
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.83636

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