Chaibasa: Preparations have begun for the joint celebration of the traditional Maghe Festival in Matkamahatu and Kamarhatu villages, located under the Sadar block of West Singhbhum district. A joint Gram Sabha meeting of villagers from both villages was held on Sunday in Matkamahatu, where, after mutual consent and detailed discussions, it was decided that the Maghe Festival will be celebrated on February 27 this year in accordance with traditional customs.
Presiding over the meeting, Chief Diuri Chandramohan Devgam informed the villagers about the festival date and the associated rituals. He explained that several traditional ceremonies will be performed in a sequential manner prior to the main Maghe Festival. As per the schedule, Bodobonji will be observed on February 18, Anader on February 22, Gaumahra on February 23, Oteili/Gonwabonga on February 25, Guri: Porob on February 26, Marang Porob on February 27, followed by Jatra on February 28 and Harmageya on February 29.
The Chief Diuri appealed to all villagers to observe the Maghe Festival with purity, discipline, and strict adherence to tradition. He emphasized that the traditional Maghe chants should be performed in a dignified and respectful manner only in the presence of Diuris at the worship site. Special emphasis was also laid on celebrating the festival joyfully with traditional musical instruments.
It was further decided during the meeting that youths would be assigned specific responsibilities to connect them with the customs and rituals of the festival, helping them understand and carry forward their rich cultural heritage. The villagers collectively resolved to celebrate the Maghe Festival in a harmonious and successful manner.
The meeting was attended by Matkamahatu Gram Munda Dhanurjay Devgam, Kamarhatu Gram Munda Birsa, along with Somay Devgam, Sonaram Devgam, Krishna Devgam, Dharmdas Devgam, Gopal Devgam, Madhusudan Devgam, Narayan Devgam, Turam Devgam, Veer Singh Gop, Chokro Devgam, Boyo Gagarai, Dobro Devgam, Chahat Devgam, Naranga Devgam, Vikram Devgam, and a large number of men, women, and youths from both villages.
