Birsaite Panth holds special prayer for ‘Dishom Guru’ Shibu Soren at Nemra

Followers of the Birsaite Panth gathered in large numbers at the ancestral home of the late Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) patriarch Shibu Soren on Monday to offer special prayers for his departed soul. The occasion marked the seventh day of the shraddh karma rituals, a period of mourning deeply rooted in tribal and family traditions.

The Birsaite Panth, inspired by the spiritual and social teachings of tribal icon Birsa Munda, holds a special place in Jharkhand’s cultural life. Shibu Soren, affectionately called “Dishom Guru,” was regarded by many in the movement as an embodiment of Birsa’s vision, championing tribal rights, safeguarding land and forest resources, and preserving indigenous identity.

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Chief Minister Hemant Soren, joined by family members, senior ministers, MPs, MLAs and party leaders, welcomed Birsaite priests and devotees from across the state. The prayers began with traditional aradhana chants, followed by offerings of dhoop, deep and sacred water. Birsaite elders recalled Soren’s lifelong commitment to tribal welfare, linking his political journey to the religious ethos of resistance and self-determination championed by Birsa Munda more than a century ago.

“Dishom Guru was not just a political leader; he was a custodian of our culture and faith,” said an elder from Khunti, noting that his bond with the Panth went beyond ceremonial appearances and reflected shared values.

The gathering drew people from varied walks of life, farmers, youth leaders, women’s groups and panchayat representatives. Many carried portraits of both Shibu Soren and Birsa Munda, symbolising a continuity of leadership and spiritual guidance for Jharkhand’s tribal communities.

The day concluded in keeping with tribal customs of collective mourning and solidarity. It was not only a moment of personal loss for the Soren family, but also a reflection of the deep cultural and spiritual roots that shaped Shibu Soren’s life and politics.