Which one of the following is correctly paired regarding the Santhal festival Erok Sim?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Celebrated in Asarh – Marks agricultural commencement.
Explanation:
☛ Erok Sim is a prominent agricultural festival celebrated by the Santhal tribe in the Hindu month of Ashadha (Asarh) (around June–July).
☛ In the Santhali language, 'Erok' means sowing seeds and 'Sim' means fowl, which is sacrificed during the ritual.
☛ This festival marks the formal commencement of the sowing season (paddy sowing) and prayers are offered to deities for adequate rainfall and protection of crops from pests and diseases.
☛ The rituals are performed by the village priest, known as Naike, at the sacred grove called Jaherthan.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Sohrai: It is the harvest and cattle-worshipping festival of the Santhals, celebrated primarily in the month of Kartik or Poush.
☛ Baha Parab: The Santhal flower festival celebrated in Chaitra, marking the arrival of spring and the blooming of Sal flowers.
☛ Maghi Sim: Celebrated in the month of Magh, it marks the end of the agricultural year and the reappointment of village officials.
☛ Janthar: A festival celebrated in the month of Aghayan as a thanksgiving before harvesting the winter paddy crop.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What is the traditional village headman called in the Santhal administration system? → Manjhi
☛ What is the traditional sacred grove of the Santhal tribe called? → Jaherthan
☛ Which festival of the Santhals is famously known as the 'Flower Festival'? → Baha
☛ Who were the primary leaders of the Santhal Hul (Rebellion) of 1855? → Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
☛ In which state do the majority of the Santhal tribal population reside? → Jharkhand