The Sendra Hunting in Dalma, a traditional tribal ritual also called Bishu Shikar, continues to be at the heart of the conflict between conservation and culture. Despite increased vigilance by the Forest Department, three animals were hunted this year. However, forest officials emphasised a significant shift in tribal mindset, with many Adivasi leaders advocating symbolic participation over actual hunting.
πΉ Sendra Hunting Festival: A Deep-Rooted Tribal Tradition
Sendra is not just an eventβit’s a ritual steeped in Adivasi belief systems, observed with traditional music, prayers, and processions. It symbolises respect for nature and a warrior-like connection with forests.
π Cultural Aspects:
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Celebrated by Santhal, Ho, and Munda communities
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Involves tribal dances, animal spirit worship, and drumming
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Historically tied to agricultural and forest-based livelihoods
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Held inside Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, an ecologically sensitive zone
π What Happened During Sendra Hunting in Dalma 2025
π° Source: Field report (The Avenue Mail) & Forest Department Briefings
π Paper: Environment, Jharkhand Specific, Tribal Culture
This yearβs Sendra began early morning on Sunday. Despite the deployment of over 100 forest guards and 12 checkpoints, a few hunting groups managed to enter Dalma via the Todang tunnel route, where two deer and one wild boar were reportedly killed.
π What the Reports Confirm:
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3 animals hunted despite patrols
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Hunters returned with kill before nightfall
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No images provided; hunters refused to share proof
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DFO Saba Alam Ansari confirmed minor violations but no widespread hunting
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Around 10,000 tribal participants gathered this year
π‘οΈ Forest Department Measures and Their Limitations
The Forest Department went all out:
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12 watch posts, drones, and mobile patrols
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Coordination with tribal villages to stop large-scale hunting
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Checkpoints set up along entry routes like Todang and Phuldungri
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Appeal for symbolic Sendra through community radio and tribal leaders
Yet, small groups bypassed security, highlighting the limits of enforcement in deep forest terrain.
π¨οΈ βIn recent years, Sendra-related wildlife killings have significantly reduced. Stopping isolated incidents is still a challenge.β
β Saba Alam Ansari, DFO, Dalma
π€ Growing Tribal Cooperation and Symbolic Celebrations
In a positive shift, many tribal leaders promoted symbolic rituals this year. In Falodungri, Adivasi youth offered prayers to forest deities instead of engaging in actual hunting. The cultural focus was more on traditional dance, music, and rituals, reducing the stress on wildlife.
π Key Takeaways:
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Many Adivasi groups are adopting symbolic Sendra
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Cultural programs replaced full-scale hunting in some areas
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Forest officials see this as a turning point in community conservation
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Emphasis on respecting both tradition and biodiversity
