Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, September 22: President Droupadi Murmu has extended her warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Karam Puja, a traditional folk festival associated with nature worship and the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities. In her message shared on Tuesday, the President highlighted the cultural and social significance of the festival and emphasised its underlying values of respect for nature, dedication to duty and fraternity.

Karam Puja is celebrated in several parts of eastern and central India and holds particular significance among tribal communities. The festival is closely associated with nature and the Karam tree, with traditional rituals reflecting gratitude towards nature and prayers for prosperity, well-being and harmony. The celebration also brings communities together through traditional customs, songs, dances and collective observances.

In her message, President Murmu described the festival as a living symbol of India's rich tribal culture and its distinctive way of understanding the relationship between human beings and nature. She noted that the values associated with Karam Puja encourage people to acknowledge their dependence on the natural environment and to maintain a respectful and sustainable relationship with nature.

The President also highlighted the importance of gratitude towards nature as an important message of the festival. According to her message, Karam Puja encourages people to recognise the importance of protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. The festival's traditions, rooted in community life and the natural world, also offer an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of individuals and society towards environmental protection.

Alongside its connection with nature, Karam Puja carries a strong message of social solidarity. The festival brings people together and promotes a spirit of fraternity, cooperation and mutual respect. President Murmu emphasised that these values can inspire people to work together in a harmonious atmosphere while remaining committed to their respective responsibilities.

The President's message also underlined the importance of preserving India's diverse cultural traditions. Tribal festivals such as Karam Puja form an important part of the country's cultural heritage, with their customs and traditions reflecting the close relationship between community life, nature and local belief systems. President Murmu has previously spoken about the importance of India's cultural and linguistic diversity and has supported the preservation and promotion of traditional heritage. 

The President expressed the hope that the auspicious occasion of Karam Puja would bring happiness, peace and prosperity to every citizen. She also conveyed her best wishes to people observing the festival and prayed that its message of harmony, environmental consciousness and collective responsibility would continue to inspire society.

Her greetings come as she is on an official visit to Gujarat from September 21 to 23. According to the President's Secretariat, on September 22 she is scheduled to attend the presentation ceremony of the 72nd National Film Awards at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia. 

The President's Karam Puja message therefore combines greetings for the festival with a broader emphasis on values such as respect for nature, social harmony, duty and collective responsibility. The occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the cultural traditions of tribal communities while highlighting the importance of protecting the environment and strengthening the bonds of fraternity within society.