Press Meet Held in Bistupur for Dhoromo Senelet 2026 Event
Key Points:
- Majhi-Parganas Announce Dhoromo Senelet 2026 Conference On Sept 6
- Event Aims To Preserve Tribal Religion, Culture, Traditions
- Leaders Urge Vigilance Against Conversion Attempts
JAMSHEDPUR – A press conference was held at the Circuit House premises in Bistupur to announce the upcoming Dhoromo Senelet 2026 conference, organized jointly by the Majhi Pargana Mahal traditional self-governance system and the Dhad Kuchun Barha Patkom Sitr Dishom, Kolhan division.
The press meet was held ahead of the conference, which is scheduled for September 6 at Disom Jaherthan in Karondih. Toroy Desh Pargana Baba Baiju Murmu presided over the event, which comes amid a wider push among tribal organizations across the state to assert their cultural and political identity.
Addressing reporters, the Pargana Babas said the tribal community is among the country’s original inhabitants, and that the Santhal community has maintained its own distinct religious, cultural and social identity. They said the community’s traditional self-governance system, worship practices, justice system and social customs from birth to death were established by their ancestors.
According to the speakers, the Majhi-Pargana system was established thousands of years ago under the leadership of Lugu Baba, in the presence of Marang Buru, to guide the community toward a disciplined and dignified way of life. The system, they said, continues to be followed within the community even today, much as tribal groups in other parts of the state have recently defended their claims over sacred sites such as Parasnath Hill.
However, the speakers expressed concern that people within the community are increasingly drifting away from their traditional systems, religion, culture and customs in modern times. It is with this concern in mind, they said, that the Dhoromo Senelet 2026 conference is being organized, to connect the younger generation with its religious traditions, beliefs and cultural heritage.
They said the conference’s main objectives include preserving tribal religion and culture, strengthening religious faith, spreading awareness against religious conversion, and conveying a message on protecting religious heritage sites such as Marang Buru, Lugu Buru and Ajodiya Buru. The concern over conversion echoes recent remarks by Babulal Marandi, who has separately flagged demographic shifts in Santhal Pargana.
Moreover, the Pargana Babas said the tribal community respects all religions but needs to remain vigilant against attempts to divide the community or convert its members. Similar concerns over tribal identity and rights have also been raised in Potka, where local leaders have campaigned against the MMDR bill.
They appealed to community members to participate in large numbers in the September 6 conference to strengthen their culture and religious identity.
