Among the Santals, every major life milestone feels like a heartwarming thread woven into the community’s tapestry. From the first cries of a newborn to the solemn farewell of a departed soul, rites of passage pulse with animist symbolism and collective joy.

Birth
The arrival of a baby sparks a flurry of joyful noise. Soon after birth, the midwife and elder women perform a small fire ceremony—kindling embers to invite Marang Buru (the Great Mountain Spirit) and Jaher Ayo (the Mother Goddess) to bless mother and child. A handful of rice, milk, and tobacco offerings are placed on banana leaves, sealing the child’s bond with ancestors. Naming typically happens on the fifth or seventh day. Elders whisper ancestral names, believing they carry protection and good fortune into the newborn’s life.

Marriage
When two Santals decide to tie the knot, families break the ice with friendly negotiations. Gifts of sakkin (rice beer) and seasonal vegetables flow freely, cementing alliances. On the wedding day, the village green transforms into a festival ground. A couple circles a small fire seven times—each lap signifying vows to community, nature, and kin. Rooster sacrifices, rhythmic kharka drumming, and spirited jhumur dances keep spirits soaring. Guests savor dala dal (spiced lentils) and finger-licking raw mango chutney, reminding everyone that life and love should always be a celebration.

Death
Passing on among the Santals is treated as a journey back to the spirit world. The body is bathed, dressed in traditional dhoti or saree, and laid to rest facing west—believed to be the gateway to ancestral realms. Close relatives stand vigil, offering rice, fruits, and a pinch of earth from the hearth. The next morning, the village priest chants mantras, seeking safe passage for the soul. Over the following thirteen days, small feasts and tobacco offerings continue until final rites close the chapter.

In today’s world, many Santals blend modern hospital births with home ceremonies or stream weddings when relatives can’t travel. Yet, even as smartphones slip into every pocket, the heartbeat of these age-old rituals keeps pulsing strong—proof that no matter where life leads, roots run deep.