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The most ancient among them are the Mundas, while the Santhals were the last of the tribes to settle in Jharkhand. Unlike the dark brown or almost black complexion of most of the aboriginals, Cheros are light brown and bear Dravidian physiognomy, as they appear to have migrated from the sub-Himalayan tract. Other tribes are Hos, Oraon, Karias, Birhors, Sauria, Paharias, Mal Paharias, Birjias, Asurs, Bhumijs, etc.
Arts & Crafts
The tribal society of Jharkhand has rich tradition of arts and crafts that is quite visible in the rock paintings of this region that dates back to more than 5000 years. The best place to experience the arts and craft traditions of this state is Tribal Research Institute and Museum at Ranchi. The tribes of Jharkhand are an expert in making plates made up of Sal leaves joined together by tiny sticks. You can also have a taste of local brews like Mahua and Hanaria that flow like water in this region.
Music & Dance
Like most of the other tribal communities, dance and music are integral part of tribal life in Jharkhand. Every festival for the tribes in this state is an opportunity to enjoy with music and dance going on continuously and without any hindrances. Most of the community dance and music takes place on the occasion of Sarhul, the most important tribal festivals. For community dance and music celebrations, a large expanse of land is left in most of the villages.
Fairs & Festivals
Sarhul is the most important festival of all the tribes in Jharkhand, though the way to celebrate the festival is slightly different from one to another. Sarhul, which also means Sal tree blossom, makes the tribal communities worship the tree of Sal to seek the blessings of their spirits. The festival is marked by extensive dance and music programs and unhindered drinking of Hanria (a local brew made of rice).
Mukka Sendra is another festival that is celebrated just ones in every twelve years by Oraon women. During this festival, women of the tribe wear all the male cloths and gears and explore the entire region to hunt for animals. The hunting process continues for entire day and they can kill any animal whether it is a pet or wild one.
Cuisine
Rice is the most important part of any meal in the state while pulses and vegetables add immense value to it. Bread is generally taken at the time of dinner with pulses and vegetables again. Tribal population makes their own local brew Hanria, made of rice which has a hard smell. Initially tribes of this region were more into hunting and wild animals, but nowadays most of them are into agriculture and hunting is limited to a very small segment of the population.
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