Vol 1 No 1, 2025 Research Article
Hare Krishna Kuiry
PhD Research Scholar, Department of English, Ranchi University, Jharkhand, India.
DOI: To be assigned
[Article History: Received: 18 Apr 2025. Accepted: 10 June 2025. Published: 15 May 2025]
Abstract
Humans are inherently social beings, intricately woven into the fabric of culture, tradition, and religious beliefs. These elements not only arise from individual faith systems but also extend to form the foundation of familial and communal harmony. In Jharkhand—a state in eastern India known for its rich tribal diversity—traditional communities live in close association with nature. Among these, the Kudmi community stands out for its distinctive cultural practices rooted deeply in the ethos of Jal (water), Jungle (forest), and Jamin (land). Their worldview is shaped by an interconnectedness with nature, where every element—from trees and rivers to the soil they till—is perceived as sacred and spiritually alive. This paper seeks to explore the eco-spiritual relationship between the Kudmi community and the natural environment, with a specific focus on marriage rituals. For the Kudmis, marriage is not just a social contract but a sacred union sanctioned by both ancestral spirits and natural forces. Trees hold symbolic and functional importance in these rituals. For instance, specific trees are chosen for worship, offerings, and ritual performances, symbolizing fertility, protection, and continuity. The selection of the marriage site, the planting of saplings, and the invocation of forest spirits all underscore the Kudmis’ reverence for nature as a living entity. Furthermore, marriage rituals often include practices such as the Bahar Ghar (ceremonial hut) being constructed using locally sourced forest materials, and the Bali (sacrifice) being offered beneath sacred trees. These practices demonstrate a profound eco-spiritual connection wherein the act of marriage becomes a reaffirmation of the Kudmi community’s bond with nature. By analyzing oral narratives, ethnographic accounts, and field-based observations, this paper attempts to underscore the philosophical dimensions of these rituals, highlighting how ecological awareness and spirituality coalesce in Kudmi customs. Through this lens, the study not only emphasizes the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions but also advocates for a broader understanding of sustainable living as practiced by communities who view nature not as a resource, but as a relative.
Keywords: Kudmi Community, Marriage Rituals, Nature, Eco-spirituality, and Jharkhand.
