ECO-SPIRITUALITY AS A BOON: A CASE STUDY OF KARAM PARAB AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF NAYAGRAM BLOCK (WEST BENGAL)

Abstract

The term ‘Eco-spirituality’ connotes a spiritual connection between human beings and environment. In simple terms it demands that humanity should owe its reverence to nature which is essentially its nurturer. A belief in eco-spirituality should prevent man from polluting, exploiting and dominating over mother-nature. India’s commitment to preservation and conservation of nature has been collectively articulated and carried forward by indigenous communities. Their festivals epitomize a deep connection between man, nature and society.  Karam Parab is one such festival. It is a harvest festival celebrated by the Korba, Baiga, Kudumi, Oraon, Munda, Santal and many other tribes in Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Assam, Odisha and West Bengal.

Based primarily on data collected through loosely structured interview from Baligeria village in Nayagram Block of Jhargram district in West Bengal, and also relying on secondary sources, the present paper attempts at a sociological understanding of the ways in which eco-spirituality comes as a boon in an era of alarming climate change.