Karam Puja is a harvest festival celebrated in various Indian states, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Odisha. The festival is dedicated to the worship of Karam-Devta, the god of power, youth, and youthfulness, and is celebrated for good harvest and health. In West Bengal, the festival is mainly celebrated in the region of Jhargram. During the festival, people worship the Karam Rani, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The festival is observed in two ways. Firstly, it is commonly held by the villagers on the village street, and the expenses on liquor, etc. are commonly borne. Alternatively, it is celebrated by a man in his courtyard under his patronage, to which he invites all. Even people who come uninvited listening to the sound of drums are also entertained with liquor.
After the puja, the next morning, the Karam branch is immersed in the river. Girls celebrate the festival for welfare, friendship, and sisterhood by exchanging a jawa flower. During the festival, a branch from the Karam tree is carried by the dancers accompanied by singing and dancing.
