Bettiah: Life came to a virtual standstill in Mainaha village under Jimri Nautanwa panchayat in West Champaran as the traditional Barna festival began on Saturday. For 48 hours, cutting trees, damaging vegetation and even plucking leaves for vegetables are prohibited, while entry of outsiders into the village is restricted.The centuries-old tradition brings routine activities to a halt. Residents stock up on food and essentials beforehand and community patrols are formed to ensure the rules are followed.The restrictions are not imposed by any govt order but are voluntarily observed by the Tharu community as part of its traditional social system.Satan Kaji, president of the village committee, said Barna is observed on different dates in different panchayats of Tharuhat during Bhadon. “Barna festival is an important part of the cultural heritage of Tharuhat,” he said.The festival begins with prayers and rituals conducted by Devan gurus, after which the imposition of Barna is announced. Cutting or damaging trees and plants, as well as plucking leaves for food, is prohibited. A fine of Rs 500 is prescribed for violations.For two days, the village effectively becomes a community-managed conservation zone, with residents taking responsibility for protecting trees, plants and vegetation.Kaushal Mahto, treasurer of the village committee, said Barna is observed on different dates in Tharuhat villages during Bhadon. The festival also includes a tradition of honouring unmarried girls, who are regarded as manifestations of Goddess Durga. He said the festival strengthens religious faith as well as the community’s commitment to nature conservation.Narsingh Mahto, a member of the Bharatiya Tharu Kalyan Mahasangh, said Barna represented a centuries-old community-based system for protecting nature.“During this festival, a 48-hour lockdown is imposed, in which people do not leave their homes and outsiders are not allowed to enter the village,” he said.He said, “Where govts today create rules and formal mechanisms for environmental conservation, the tribal community, through the Barna festival, takes responsibility for protecting nature itself by voluntarily stopping routine activities across the village for two days.”
