Gonasika Paper Series, No. 3, August 2025​

Indigenous Kendujhari Cultural Traditions and Environmental Consciousness

Examining the unexamined 

In Bharat, considered an unfathomable reservoir of knowledge, it is not surprising to find that many indigenous epics, religious rituals, and cultural practices, as well as popular stories and usages, have a strong connection to nature and the natural surroundings. The Kendujhar district of Odisha derives its name from Kendu (India Ebony Tree) and jhar (abundant streams of water), and has several traditions and practices that accentuate a deep understanding of nature. For example, in Sarhul, a celebration of nature, the indigenous communities worship the Sal Tree  ( Shorea robusta). Similarly, Gundi Parva, Sohrai, Chaitra Parva (Uda Parva), Karmapuja, Bodam, Ratha Yatra, Nuakhai, Raja Parva, Pana Sankranti, Makar Sankranti and Gonasika Mahotsav and so on have both seamless cultural and ecological linkages. The paper delves into extrapolating and establishing that environmental consciousness is an integral part of the Kendujhari cultural and ritualistic traditions. The research delves into establishing linkages and documenting rituals and practices in the context of prevailing environmental and climate crises. The thematic long-term research aims to amplify the understanding of sustainability, which would directly enhance our capacity to address the environmental uncertainty on the local, regional and national scales.