Sari Dharam is the ancient and distinct religious belief system of the Santal tribe, deeply intertwined with their identity, culture, and way of life. Through this religion, the Santals preserve the traditions of their ancestors and maintain their relationship with nature. At the core of this faith is Marang Buru, the supreme deity and founder of this religion. From a religious perspective, the Santals are animists and nature worshippers, revering Thakurjiu and Thakuran as the creators. According to Sari Dharam, every Santal village has a ‘Majhithan’ (community space) and a ‘Jaherthan’ (sacred grove for rituals). The practice does not involve idol worship. Sari Dharam is the ancient religion of the Santals, prevalent in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura (India), as well as in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Festivals such as ‘Baha Pobor’, ‘Erok Pobor’, ‘Sohrai Porob’, ‘Sakrat Porob’, ‘Janthar Porob’, and ‘Magsim Porob’ are integral to the Santal life cycle. Our goal is not only religious practice but also the preservation of the entire Santal cultural ecosystem through community participation and youth engagement.