Festival Calendar
Official annual calendar maintained by the Santali Festival Unity Council across all regions
About This Calendar
The Santali Festival Calendar is officially recognized and maintained by the Santali Festival Unity Council (SFUC) under the supervision of the Santali Cultural Review Committee (SCRC) and the Manjhi Pargana Council (MPC). This calendar ensures that all Santali communities celebrate festivals uniformly across regions.
All dates are traditional lunar-based calculations coordinated by the Naeke (village priests) and regional Pargana leaders. Communities are notified 30 days in advance of major festivals.
Nawa Serma
Significance
Celebrates the beginning of the new year and the start of the agricultural cycle.
Observances
Family gatherings, feasting
Mag Bonga
Significance
Celebrates the completion of winter harvesting and honors the winter season with gratitude to nature.
Observances
Winter hunting traditions, family reunions, ceremonial fires, traditional cuisine
Baha
Significance
Marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the agricultural season. Young people celebrate new beginnings.
Observances
Flower decoration, singing, dancing, courtyard meetings, community feasts
Eroh Bonga
Significance
Prepares communities for the monsoon season and seeks blessings for the upcoming agricultural cycle.
Observances
Agricultural preparations, community rituals, youth gatherings, ceremonial dances
Guru Kunami
Significance
Celebrates the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
Observances
Community gatherings, cultural programs, traditional music and dance
Sohray
Significance
Celebrates the completion of monsoon crops and gives thanks to Marang Buru (mountain deity) and other spirits for a good harvest.
Observances
Family gatherings, feasting, animal sacrifice, new grain preparation
Santali Festival Unity Council
Responsibilities
- ✓Determine and declare common festival dates
- ✓Maintain official annual festival calendar
- ✓Ensure uniform celebrations across regions
- ✓Resolve disputes regarding festival timing
- ✓Coordinate with Naeke and traditional leaders
- ✓Publish 30-day pre-notice announcements
Cultural Significance
Santali festivals are deeply rooted in agricultural cycles, community harmony, and spiritual beliefs. Each festival celebrates the relationship between the Santali people and nature.
By maintaining a unified calendar, WeSantal ensures that all Santali villages and communities maintain cultural continuity and collective identity across regions.
Recent Notices
Sohray Festival 2025 - 30-Day Notice
July 20, 2025
Festival Coordination Meeting - All Village Heads
July 15, 2025
Updated Festival Calendar 2025-2026 Released
June 1, 2025