The Oraon/Kudukh community in Nepal is a minority group constituting only 0.16% of the population totalling 46,840 individuals according to the 2021 Census of Nepal. The majority 54.9% reside in Sunsari district, which makes them a significant presence in that area. Overall they are considered a minority tribal group in Nepal as their population falls below 0.5% of the total population of Nepal.
The Oraon community has a distinct mother tongue known as Kudukh, that is also their own ancestral language. They also celebrate unique cultural traditions and festivals notably the Karam Festval, some says Karam Dharam as well.
It is believed that the worship for good germination increases the fertility of grain crops. Karam Tree is worshipped during the festival. The devotees keep a day long fast and worship the branches of Karam Tree.
Karam festival is a harvest festival, and has a closed link to nature, people worship Karam Tree during this festival as they are a source of livelihood and they pray to Mother Nature to keep their farmlands green and ensure a rich harvest.
We especially explored two Tole, Kutii and Jungle Tole, in Kalapani. In these two areas, 300 households of the Oraon Community were joyously celebrating their festival. They celebrate their Karam festival, much like Dashain, a significant Hindu celebration in Nepal. They wear Jamara, enjoy special food, and come together with family for a joyous time.
The Karam Branch is raised in the middle of the dancing arena. After reciting the legend explaining the story behind the worship of the Karam Tree, all the men and women spend the entire night singing and dancing, both of which are essential parts of the festival. The dancing girls often wear colourful traditional attire and adorn themselves with jewellery. The songs sung during the Karam festival are known as Karam Dharam songs, which depict various aspects of nature, agriculture, love, and social life.
It is indeed a significant tribal celebration observed by Oraon communities in Nepal and India. It takes place primarily during the month of Ashwin and is dedicated to the worship of the Karam Tree.
When we got Kuti Tole, we met an elderly man singing a song about the Karam Dharam, and he mentioned a story about seven brothers, that he was referring to a cultural or folk tale associated with the festival.
He mentions that the Oraon community is often considered deprivileged, with a majority facing economic challenges. As a result, men usually go to work while women stay at home. They believe that performing the Karam Dharam ritual can alleviate some of their sorrows, which is why they began Karam Dharam Ritual.
We hear from him; they don't have a public holiday for Karam Festival, like Dashain Festival. It’s great to hear that the Koshi Province Government has acknowledged the significance of the Karam festival for the Oraon community by declaring a public holiday, however it seems that there's still an expectation for a holiday similar to Dashain for this occasion only for this day.
Lack of education and resources in Oraon community it's hard to preserve our cultures and traditions, thankfully we still hold on to the Karam Dharam festival, we hear from him.
As we observe the festivities, he highlights that the dancing girls are not only performing, but also expressing their wishes through song. He further explains that they have been fasting since the day before the festival. As part of the tradition, the mothers are preparing to offer blessings to the fasting girls after they've completed the worship of the Karam tree branch. Additionally, they have plans to provide them with food.
As the festival nears its conclusion, members of the Oraon community, take the branches and Jamara to each house, after these final worship activities, they conclude the Karam festival.
This video is also contained the seven brothers story about Karam Dharam Rituals.
Videography By
Hiker
Especial Thanks
Oraon Cummunity of Kalapani: Kuti & Jungle Tole
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