National Tribal Pride March Begins in Jharkhand to Mark Birsa Munda's 151st Birth Anniversary

A three-day National Tribal Pride March commenced from Ulihatu in Jharkhand's Khunti district on Saturday to mark the 151st birth anniversary of tribal freedom icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The commemorative march began following ceremonial floral tributes paid at the statue of the revered leader in his ancestral village, setting off wide-ranging celebrations linked to Janjatiya Gaurav Divas across the state.

The yatra was formally flagged off with a traditional flag in the presence of Birsa Munda's descendant Sukhram Munda alongside community representatives and political figures. Former Union Minister and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda joined the opening proceedings, emphasizing the importance of carrying the leader's principles and cultural heritage forward to younger generations.

The initial leg of the procession charted a 28-kilometer course from Ulihatu toward the district headquarters in Khunti. Thousands of participants joined the procession on foot, accompanied by a decorated chariot and resonant beats of traditional folk instruments, including the mandar and nagada.

Tribal community members arrived dressed in traditional attire, singing ancestral songs and carrying flags that symbolized indigenous heritage and solidarity. The colorful assembly drew broad participation from local villages, civil society groups, and cultural troupes dedicated to preserving regional folklore and customs.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda, fondly venerated as Dharti Aaba or Father of the Earth, spearheaded the historic Ulgulan revolt against British colonial oppression and the feudal exploitation of indigenous communities in the late nineteenth century. Born on November 15, 1875, he mobilized tribal groups across the Chhota Nagpur plateau to defend traditional land rights and resist colonial exploitation.

Central to Birsa Munda's movement was the protection of jal, jangal, and zameen, representing water, forests, and land as vital pillars of indigenous life and autonomy. His teachings also emphasized social reform within tribal society, urging people to reject superstitions, maintain communal unity, and take pride in their unique cultural traditions.

Community organizers and speakers along the march highlighted that the commemorative trek serves not only as a historical tribute but also as an active call to safeguard indigenous heritage and constitutional safeguards. Public discussions organized at stops along the route stressed the ongoing relevance of tribal self-governance, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.

The launch of the march coincides with nationwide observances commemorating Birsa Munda's birth anniversary, which is recognized as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to highlight tribal contributions to India's freedom struggle. Educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community centers across Jharkhand have scheduled lectures, exhibitions, and traditional folk performances over the commemorative weekend.

The National Tribal Pride March will continue traversing historic villages across Khunti over the next two days before culminating in a major commemorative gathering. Organizers stated that the final assembly will honor community elders and adopt resolutions reinforcing cultural preservation and community welfare throughout the tribal heartland.