Volume-II, Special Issue, February 2026
Novel Insights A Peer-Reviewed Quarterly Multidisciplinary Research Journal |
Volume-II, Special Issue, February 2026 |
Echoes of tradition and heritage: The ritualistic music and dance in Santal culture and festivals Asit Saren, Student, Dept. of English, University of Gour Banga, West Bengal, India Email: sarenasit2@gmail.com |
Received: 01.01.2026 | Accepted: 20.02.2026 | Published Online: 28.02.2026 |
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Abstract | ||
Santali music and dance have a profound position in the cultural and spiritual practices of the Santal community. It shapes their customs and ceremonies which continue through generations. This paper explores the significance and value of Santal festivals music and dance, through their religious ceremonies, social bonding, and identity preservation. Festivals like Sorhai, Baha,Karam, and Dasai, represent unique musical rhythms, lyrics and dance patterns that reflect the community beliefs, deep connection with nature and their ancestral heritage. This research examines the symbolic meaning of the musical instruments like Tumdak, Tamak, Banam, and also analyzes dance movements which convey emotions, blessings, and communal unity. The paper explores how the Santal community transmits its songs and dances through oral tradition. It highlights the challenges of modernization, migration, and changing cultural dynamics that endanger these traditional practices. Additionally, this research explores the modern initiatives to preserve and adapt ritualistic performances, as well as investigates the impact of educational platforms and cultural organization and digital platforms that sustain the survival of Santal cultural heritage. This research is conducted in Pakuahat, a region with a rich Santal presence, offering a focused study. The paper investigates the evolution of Santal ritualistic music and dance, using field research combined with literary review and ethnographic methodology to address understudied knowledge gaps. The study emphasizes that the activities should continue so the Santal cultural practices become foundational to Santal identity in present day society. Keywords: Santal culture, Ritualistic music, Traditional dance, Festivals and Ceremonies, musical instruments. | ||