Jharkhand

Tradition and Culture of Jharkhand:

Ranchi is a mix of various culture and tradition which can be seen in the society. Still people live here with peace and harmony. Though the city has been modernized yet people follow the traditions and culture. The warm welcome by the locals for the tourist and people visiting here leave an everlasting impression. The city is also rich in its art and culture. The main religion followed here is Hinduism. The other religion which is followed here are Jainism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. There are also various tribes who reside here and follow their own religion. Some of the major languages spoken here is Hindi, English, Bengali, etc. Some of the famous folk dance of this place is Chhau, Santhal and Karma.

Fairs and Festivals of Jharkhand:

The fairs and festivals in Jharkhand is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Jharkhand. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Jharkhand are:

• Kolhua mela in Hunterganj: It is an ancient fair held twice in a year during Magh Basant panchami and chait ramnaumi respectively. There is a beautiful lake and ancient temple of Goddess Kali on the top of the hill. Its origin is not known. It is only a religious fair.
• Chatra mela: This mela is said to have started from 1882 and is mainly a cattle fair held during Durga Puja.
• Kundri Mela in Chatra: The probable year of its origin is 1930 and is held on Kartik purnima and it is also a cattle fair.
• Kolhaiya Mela in Chatra: The probable year of origin is 1925. It is held on Magh Basant panchami and is also a cattle fair.
• Tutilawa Mela in Simaria: The probable year of origin is 1935 and is principally a cattle fair held on Falgun purnima.
• Lawalong mela: The probable year of its origin is 1880. It is held at the time of Aghan purnima.
• Belgada Mela in Simaria: The probable year of its origin is 1920 and this is principally a cattle fair held in Baisakh purnima.
• Bhadli mela in Itkhori: There is an ancient temple of Goddess Kali and lord Shiva. The origin of the mela is not known. It is only religious gathering on Makar Sankaranti.
• Sangharo Mela in Chatra: It is held in Sawan Purnima. The origin of this fair is not known.
• Barura Sharif: Barura Sharif is a shrine on the bank of Sat Bahini river in Pratappur. It is said that the sufi saint came here in the latter half of the 18th century. The Hindus and the Muslim alike come here to pay respect to the reverend saint at his Mazaar. People suffering from evil spirits come here in large number and get themselves cured.
• Rabda Sharif: There is a Mazaar (Shrine) of Data Faham Khyal Shah at Rabda Sharif in Pratappur who was contemporary to Data Amir Ali Shah of Barura Sharif. Here annual fair of the saint is celebrated with pomp and grandeur.
• The Graveyard of Jatrahibagh: In Jatrahibagh there is a graveyard .It is said that Muslim soldiers of the 1857 mutiny were buried here. It is also known as Anjan Shahid. During British period annual fair was held, hence it is called Jatrahibagh.
• Sangat: In Gudri Bazar Mohalla of Chatra there is a Sangat of Udasi Panth of Sikh doctrine where there is an old script of the Holy Gurugranth Saheb. It is venerated at this place and is kept in high esteem by the Sikhs and the Hindus as well. Thus, Chatra is an emblem of communal harmony where the Hindus, the Muslims and the Sikhs reside in peace and harmony.

Must Visiting Places In Jharkhand:

• Nakshatra Van: Nakshatra Van is one of the most popular tourist attraction of Ranchi. It is established by the Jharkhand Forest Department. The Nakshatra Van is situated on the heart of Ranchi city, in front of the Governor residence of the State. This park is divided into a number of sections, which is linked with Hindu astronomy and Hindu astrology. The tree of the this park is also linked with the particular Nakshatras.
• Jharkhand War Memorial: Another major attraction of Ranchi, Jharkhand War Memorial is dedicated to soldiers from Jharkhand who had sacrificed their lives for the Nation from before independence till now. The War Memorial was established in 31 October 2008.
• Hundru Falls: Located at the distance of about 45 km from Ranchi en-route Ranchi-Purulia Road, Hundru Fall is one of the most beautiful falls in Ranchi district. The Hundru water fall originated from Subarnarekha River. It is one of the highest water fall in Jharkhand, which falls from the height of about 320 feet. It is one of the most popular picnic center bathing place.
• Jonha Falls: Jonha Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfall of Jharkhand, which is located at the distance at about 40 km from Ranchi. Jonha Falls is also called as Gautamdhara. The Gunga River hangs over its master stream, Raru River and forms the falls. One can reach there to descend 722 steps. The water of the fall drops from the height at around 43 meters.
• Panchghagh Falls: Situated at about 55kms from Ranchi, Panchghagh Falls is another splendid waterfall of Jharkhand in Khunti. This fall comprised five streams formed in a row, which is originated from Banai River Panchghagh falls
• Dassam Falls: Situated at the distance of about 34 km from Ranchi, Dassam Falls is another major tourist attraction in Ranchi. It is also known as Dassam Gagh. The waterfall is located near Taimara village between Ranchi-Tata Road. The Dassam Fall raised from Kachni River, which is a tributary of the River Subarnarekha. The height of the water fall is about 144 feet, which is very clean and clear.
• Hirni Falls: Located at about 70km from Ranchi in West Singhbhum district, Hirni Waterfall is one of the most popular and beautiful tourist attraction of this region. This splendid water fall is situated at an edge of the Ranchi plateau, surrounded by lush green dense forest. Hirni waterfall originated from Ramgarha River.
• Jhinkpani Village: Located at about 16km from Chaibasa, Jhinkpani Village is known for various tourist attractions such as Gamharia and Badajamada and Hat. The village is also known for Jhinkpani Railway Station on the Chaibasa-Noamundi railway line that is served by the South Eastern Railways.
• Roro Dam: Roro Dam is another most popular attraction of this region, which is situated at the distance about 19 km from Chaibasa. The Dam lies in Roro town, which is a small town and the part of the West Singhbhum District. Roro Hills is located near the Roro dam which is known for asbestos mining.
• Duari: Situated at the distance of about35 km away from Chatra, Duari is a hot water spring. Which is known for its medicinal properties, it believed that its water can cure skin diseases. On Makar Sankranti, a large number of people take holy dip in the water to relieve themselves from skin diseases.
• Tamasin: Tamasin is a thick forest which is located about 26 km from the town of Chatra. The region also has a big reservoir and has a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. There is also a small waterfall nearby which is only active during monsoon season popularly known as Tamasin falls.
• Kathikund : Located at the distance of about 92kms from Deoghar, Kathikund is one of the major attraction near Deoghar. This place is known for Dhaninath Temple, an annual festival held in the months of February and March.
• Trikuta Parvata: Trikuta Parvata is one of the major attraction of Deoghar. It is located at the distance of about 13kms from the main town en-route to Dumka. It is located at an elevation of 2,470 feet. Trikuta Parvata houses a temple of Shiva, which is called as Trikutachal Mahadeva Temple. It offers an amazing surroundings, one can reach there through ropeway.
• Maithan Dam: Maithan Dam is built on Barakar River and is used to produce hydroelectricity. The dam extends from 5 km in length and 50 meters in height and is spread over a huge area of 65 sq km. The dam is 48 km from Dhanbad and is very scenic and is a very popular picnic spot among the locals and is especially popular during rainy season in the region.
• Parasnath Temple: Parasnath is a Jain Temple located about 60 km north of Dhanbad city. The temple is located on a hill known as Parasnath Hill and has an elevation of about 4300 meters which is the highest hill in the state. The hill is of significant importance to Jains and is considered holy as it is said that majority of the Tirthankars attained salvation on this hill.
• Panchet Dam: It is a dam built on Damodar River, the dam is located 54 km from Dhanbad city. The dam is surrounded by Panchet Hills giving it a picturesque look. The artificial lake fills up during Monsson and maintains it reserves during winters. The dam is very popular among the locals and tourists as a popular picnic spot. The dam draws lots of visitors during holiday season such as Christmas and New Year.
• Maluti: Also known as Malooti, it is a small town near Shikaripara in Dumka District of Jharkhand. The town is situated at the distance of about 66kms from Dumka town. It is one of the holiest place of this region which houses 72 old temples. It was established under the Baj Basanta dynasty.
• Jubilee Park: It is one of the major tourist attraction of Jamshedpur, located in the middle of the town. It is one of the largest park of the state, which is spread over 237.75 acres. It was gifted by Tata Steel Company to the residents of the town 1956.It is one of the most beautiful park of the state, having lush green landscape, an amusement park and the wide variety of plant species.
• Dimna Lake: Situated at about 12.6kms from Jamshedpur, on the foothill of Dalma mountain range. Dimna Lake is an artificial lake and one of the most popular tourist attraction of the region.It is an impotent lake, which serves as a reservoirs for drinking water in Jamshedpur city. There are various tourist activities are available such as boating, jet skiing and rowing.
• Tata Steel Zoological Park: Located inside the Jubilee Park, Tata Steel Zoological Park is one of the major attraction of Jamshedpur city. This Zoological Park contains a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for Bird watching as a number of migratory birds can be seen during the winters.

Cuisines of Jharkhand:

The staple food of Ranchi is Rice, Dal and Tarkari ( Vegetables ). Mainly the food has a influence of tribal culture but one can see the touch of Mughlai, Bengali and Bihari dishes. Some of the local dishes of Jharkhand are Dhuska, Peetha, Arsa & Chhilka, Litti and Chokha.