In Kaima village on Thursday, not fields are plowed but the faith of generations is plowed.
Jagran Latehar, Utkarsh Pandey. Kaima, a small village in Latehar district of Jharkhand, is today presenting an example of a wonderful confluence of modernity and faith. While the whole world is running behind mechanical speed, the farmers of this village voluntarily stop farming work every Thursday.
This is not a compulsion, but a gratitude towards the 'plough', which produces food for the village by tearing the soil throughout the year. In Kaima village, fields are not plowed on Thursdays, rather the unbreakable faith that has been passed on for generations is kept alive, which is the real soul of this soil.
Rest of the giver and consecration of faith
The morning of Kaima village usually starts with the mooing of cows and the bells of bulls, but Thursday morning brings a different peace and purity. On this day, instead of taking his plow to the field, the farmer washes it with reverence and cleans it. The plow is tilaked with turmeric, rice and vermilion and a lamp is lit to pray for a good harvest and healthy livestock.
Village elders Saghnu, Shikeshwar and Laktu tell that the plow is not just a tool made of iron or wood, but it is a symbol of 'Annadata Devta'. Just as humans need rest, similarly the people of this village give respectful rest to their plows and oxen once a week.
The dignity of tradition outweighs the noise of the tractor
Times changed and the methods of farming also changed. Today, in many fields of the village, the rumble of modern tractors is heard instead of bulls, but this modernity has not changed the age-old dignity. Young farmers of the village, Vipin, Namendra and Subodh say that the rule applies to tractors also. On Thursday, no farmer plows the fields within the village boundaries.
This discipline is not due to any penalty or fear, but arises from the experience which says that by following this dignity, there is prosperity in the fields and the village remains safe from any major crisis. Even when it is the peak sowing season, the villagers do not compromise with this.
Connection to roots: heritage lessons for the new generation
This tradition of Kaima village is not limited to just religious rituals, but it is a deep way of life. During the puja, the children of the house are made to sit nearby so that they can understand that it is our culture to respect the resources which support our livelihood.
This village is today a major center of agriculture and milk production in Jharkhand. The villagers believe that the secret of their prosperity lies in this feeling of gratitude. When a farmer is sensitive towards his tools, he becomes equally generous towards the soil and nature.
Administrative appreciation and path of development
This unique culture of Kaima village has also attracted the attention of the district officials. Latehar Deputy Development Commissioner Syed Riaz Ahmed has called this tradition interesting and inspiring. While the administration is technically promoting agriculture and animal husbandry, such cultural values help keep the villagers united.
Kaima village today gives a big message that development does not mean losing one's identity. If sensitivity remains even in the race of machines, then farming becomes not just a business but a beautiful art of living. Even though the plows stop here on Thursday, the collective confidence and self-respect of the village is reaching new heights every day.
It is really interesting to know about this unique tradition in the village. The district administration is working diligently to promote animal husbandry and agriculture. Rural farmers should contact the Agriculture Department directly without hesitation for any kind of guidance, you will get immediate help.
- Syed Riaz Ahmed, Deputy Development Commissioner Latehar.