Sarna: Sacred Groves of Jharkhand – Guardians of Tribal Heritage and Biodiversity
Nestled in the heart of Jharkhand’s dense forests and rolling hills are hidden sanctuaries of nature called Sarna—sacred groves revered by tribal communities. These are not just spiritual landmarks but ecological treasure troves. Known locally as ‘Jaher Than’ or ‘Sarna Sthal’, these small patches of untouched forests are a living testimony to how indigenous culture and biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand.
What is Sarna?
Sarna refers to sacred groves—forest patches that are protected and worshipped by tribal communities such as the Munda, Ho, Santhal, Oraon, Kharia, and Bhumij. These groves are considered the abode of village deities or spirits and are preserved through customary taboos and community protection mechanisms. No trees are cut, no animals are hunted, and no soil is tilled within these groves.
In most tribal villages, the Sarna sthal is the site for community rituals during Sarhul, Karam, and other tribal festivals. These celebrations reflect gratitude to nature, the spirits of ancestors, and the forest gods.
Ecological Importance of Sarna Groves
- Micro-reserves of Biodiversity:
Sarna groves harbor rare, native, and medicinal plant species that are often extinct outside these groves due to deforestation and modernization. - Habitat for Wildlife:
These forest patches act as safe nesting and breeding grounds for birds, reptiles, pollinators, and small mammals. - Water Conservation:
Most Sarna groves are associated with sacred water bodies or springs, contributing to groundwater recharge and local water security. - Climate Moderation:
Acting as green lungs of the village ecosystem, these groves regulate temperature and protect against soil erosion.
Sarna and Indigenous Tribal Knowledge (ITK)
The tribal communities of Jharkhand have preserved a treasure of ecological wisdom through generations, without formal education. Sarna groves are a reflection of this Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK):
- Seasonal Planting Calendars aligned with lunar cycles observed at Sarna festivals.
- Knowledge of sacred plants and trees (Sal, Mahua, Karam, Neem) for food, medicine, and rituals.
- Folk conservation practices, such as rotational harvesting and taboo-based protection of flora/fauna.
Sarna and Ethnoveterinary Practices
Livestock rearing—particularly of native poultry, Black Bengal goats, and pigs—is deeply integrated with traditional ethnoveterinary practices in tribal villages near Sarna groves:
- Herbal Remedies: Medicinal herbs from Sarna groves like Neem, Harre, Bahera, Giloy, and Kachnar are used to treat livestock ailments like diarrhea, wounds, fever, and ectoparasites.
- Preventive Beliefs: Animals are often blessed near Sarna before festivals to protect them from diseases and evil spirits.
- Zero-waste Integration: Livestock manure is used to enrich soil around the groves, sustaining organic agriculture nearby.
Threats to Sarna Groves
Despite their ecological and cultural value, Sarna groves face multiple threats:
- Encroachment due to urbanization and infrastructure development
- Neglect of traditional beliefs among younger generations
- Deforestation and mining in tribal belts
- Lack of legal protection or official recognition
Need for Recognition and Protection
To sustain these natural and cultural sanctuaries, there is an urgent need to:
- Map and document Sarna groves under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Declare them as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).
- Promote community-led conservation plans with the involvement of Gram Sabhas.
- Integrate Sarna-based conservation into eco-tourism and agroforestry models.
Sarna and the Vision of Viksit Bharat
In line with the “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision, integrating tribal knowledge systems like Sarna into mainstream conservation, sustainable agriculture, and rural livelihoods will be key. It will:
- Enhance climate resilience in rural India
- Empower tribal women and youth through green jobs
- Reconnect modern science with ancient ecological wisdom
Conclusion
The Sarna groves are not just patches of forest—they are temples of biodiversity, libraries of indigenous wisdom, and pillars of tribal identity. Preserving and promoting them is not just a conservation need—it’s a cultural responsibility. In protecting Sarna, we protect the soul of Jharkhand, the spirit of its tribal people, and the future of our biodiversity.
