What's Sarna and why do tribals demand it?

Sarna, a so-called "religion" based on the concept of nature worship, is followed by tribals in several Indian states including Jharkhand. Tribals in Jharkhand have long been demanding a separate Sarna religious code in the Census.

Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), which is set to form part of the new government in the state, has promised to implement the Sarna Code in its election manifesto. It will be interesting to see whether Jharkhand Mukti Morchaled new state government implements the Sarna Code in the state or not.

"The demand for a separate Sarna religious code in the Census has been pending for a long time. Sarna followers are worshippers of nature. Jharkhand has 32 tribal groups, of which eight tribes are from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)," GN Jha, Professor of Anthropology, Hazaribagh University said.

"These tribal groups are

Hindus. However, few have converted to Christianity," Jha added.

A social activist said that the tribals are demanding for Sarna Code as they want to "save their religious identity".

Jharkhand has seen three tribal CMs, Babulal Marandi from the Munda tribe, Shibu Soren from the Santhal tribe and Madhu Koda from the Kora tribe. Raghubar Das was the first non-tribal CM of the state. Now ,Hemant Soren, son of Shibu Soren, will take oath as the new CM.

"A separate religious code in the Census can't be provided to tribals. They will have to choose between the six options under the religion column as the Registrar General of India has said that it's not natural to form a separate religious code, at present," a government official said on the condition of anonymity.

Bandhan Tigga, Dharm Guru (priest) of Raji Padha Sarna Prarthna Sabha, once claimed that there are 62 lakh Sarna tribals in Jharkhand.