The Karam Festival, celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, is a vibrant and significant cultural event. It takes place in the month of Bhadrapad, corresponding to August or September in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is marked by various rituals, songs, and dances, all centered around the worship of the Karam tree, which is believed to bring prosperity and well-being.
The Tale of Seven Brothers
Once upon a time, in a village, there were seven brothers
who toiled tirelessly in their fields from dawn till dusk. Due to their
relentless work, they had no time even for lunch. Their devoted wives brought
them their midday meals to the fields daily. However, one fateful day, the
wives did not bring the lunches. Hungry and weary, the brothers returned home
in the evening, only to find their wives dancing and singing around a branch of
the Karam tree in the courtyard.
Their hunger and fatigue turned to anger. One brother, in a
fit of rage, snatched the Karam branch and threw it into the river,
disrespecting the Karam deity. This act of insult brought misfortune upon their
family. Their economic condition worsened, and they faced the brink of
starvation.
A wise Brahman (priest) visited them one day, and the
brothers narrated their plight. He advised them to seek out the Karam Rani
(Queen of Karam). The seven brothers left their village and wandered in search
of the Karam Rani. After a long journey, they found a Karam tree and worshipped
it with great reverence. Miraculously, their fortunes began to improve, and
their economic condition was restored.
The Legend of the Youngest Brother
Among the Bhumijs and the Oraons, there is another version
of the legend. In this tale, the youngest of the seven brothers stayed at home
while the six eldest worked in the fields. The youngest brother indulged in
dance and song around a Karam tree in the courtyard with his six
sisters-in-law. One day, they were so engrossed in their festivities that the
wives forgot to take the morning meal to the fields.
When the brothers returned home hungry and found out what
had happened, they became agitated and threw the Karam tree into the river. The
youngest brother, feeling disgraced, left home in anger. Subsequently,
misfortune struck the remaining brothers. Their house was damaged, crops
failed, and they faced starvation.
While wandering, the youngest brother discovered the Karam
tree floating in the river. He appeased the deity with devotion, and everything
was restored to normalcy. He returned home and explained to his brothers that
their disrespect towards the Karam Devta had brought upon their suffering.
Since then, Karam Devta has been worshipped with great reverence.
The Merchant’s Prosperous Voyage
Another legend, prevalent among the Pauri Bhuiyans, tells of
a prosperous merchant who returned home after a successful voyage. His vessel
was loaded with precious metals and other valuables from distant lands.
According to custom, he waited in his vessel to be ceremoniously received by
his wife and relatives. However, as it was the day of the Karam festival, all
the women were engrossed in dancing and the men in playing drums, so no one
came to receive him.
The merchant, furious at being ignored, uprooted the Karam
tree and threw it away. Immediately, the wrath of Karam Devta fell upon him,
and his vessel sank in the sea. Desperate, the merchant consulted astrologers
who advised him to propitiate Karam Devta. He launched another vessel and set
out in search of the deity. After much searching, he found the Karam tree
floating in the sea. He worshipped it with great devotion, and his wealth was
restored. From that day on, the annual festival of Karam Puja has been
celebrated to honor the Karam Devta.
The Karam Festival is a beautiful amalgamation of cultural traditions, legends, and devotion. Each story associated with the festival underscores the importance of respecting nature and the deities that symbolize prosperity and well-being. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, the Karam Festival continues to be a significant cultural event, bringing communities together in joyous reverence.