Insaaf Times Desk
Gaya’s Jhumar Festival: Jitan Ram Manjhi Pledges to Take Cultural Heritage to National Stage
Gaya, September 29, 2025: In Gahlour, located in the Atari assembly constituency of Bihar’s Gaya district, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) organized a workers’ conference along with a Jhumar festival. Central Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi attended the event and inaugurated it by playing the traditional dhol-manjhar.
The event featured traditional Jhumar performances and Launda Naach, with local artists showcasing their talent. The audience enthusiastically enjoyed the performances and danced along, bringing the cultural display to life.
Minister Manjhi described Jhumar as a significant cultural heritage of the Bhuinya and Musahar communities. He stated, “Earlier, Jhumar festivals used to last for 15 days in every village, but this tradition is gradually fading. We are committed to presenting it on the national stage at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium.”
Recalling his deep connection with the Atari constituency, Manjhi said that his home, in-laws’ house, and maternal family are all rooted here. Even at the age of 81, he expressed his desire for his party, Hindustani Awam Morcha, to win the assembly elections from Atari. He also highlighted that he has won eight assembly elections in the past.
Targeting RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Manjhi said that while Tejashwi’s father Lalu Yadav once encouraged weaker sections of society to get educated, his ministry mocked them by opening “charwaha schools” and making students drink oil with sticks. Manjhi also recalled that when he was Chief Minister, Tejashwi attempted to remove him with 35 MLAs.
On the issue of Pakistan, Manjhi asserted that no power can stand before India. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that terrorist bases were destroyed under Operation Sindur, without harming civilians. He warned that if Pakistan takes any aggressive step, India’s military strength can completely neutralize it.
He also lauded India’s military capabilities, noting that the country can strike with full strength from sea, air, and land. Manjhi added, “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has shown restraint towards Pakistan, but any wrong move will come at a heavy price.”
Manjhi announced that his party plans to field candidates in 15-20 assembly seats in the upcoming elections. He added that if these seats are not allocated within alliances, Hindustani Awam Morcha may contest independently in 50-100 seats.
Party leaders accompanying Manjhi also discussed strategies and plans for the upcoming elections. The event highlighted the confluence of local culture and politics in Gahlour valley and signaled a strategic direction ahead of the assembly elections.
