The cultural heartbeat of Mithila and surrounding regions beats strong as the traditional two-day festival of Jur Sital begins with the observance of Satuan on April 14, followed by Dhurkhel on April 15. Celebrated with reverence and joy, this festival is deeply rooted in nature, water, and ancestral worship—marking a beautiful blend of tradition, sustainability, and seasonal change.
Satuan: A Day of Sattu, Simplicity, and Spirituality
Satuan, the first day of Jur Sital, holds immense cultural and spiritual value across Mithila and even in parts of Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. Much like Chhath celebrates the Sun God, Jur Sital celebrates the purity and power of water. This festival is also recognized as the Maithili New Year, symbolizing a fresh start and seasonal transition.
The day is marked by the preparation and consumption of sattu—roasted gram flour—an essential summer staple in this region. Sattu is not only nutritious and cooling but also has the quality of lasting long without spoiling, making it ideal for the summer heat. Households prepare a variety of traditional dishes using sattu, rice, and gram flour. Non-vegetarian food, along with onion and garlic, is strictly avoided as the day is meant to be observed with simplicity and sanctity.
Worship of Water and Ancestors
In Mithila homes, people tie an earthen pot or ghara to water the sacred Tulsi plant regularly. This act is believed to quench the thirst of ancestors. Many families also offer prayers to their kuldevta (family deity) with offerings like wheat flour, sattu, seasonal fruits like mangoes, and cooling items such as hand fans.
A unique tradition is observed during this time: women place a copper or brass pot filled with water beside the family deity on Satuan. The next morning, they sprinkle this “stale” water on their children’s heads to bless them with coolness and protection from summer ailments. The belief is that this ritual keeps children safe and healthy throughout the intense summer season.
Later in the afternoon, people pour water at the roots of trees and plants to prevent them from drying out. The day also emphasizes the essential practice of sattu consumption, as it is believed that anyone who eats sattu on this day will never have to sleep hungry throughout the year.
Dhurkhel: Playful Cleanliness and Community Bonding
The second day of the festival, known as Dhurlekh or Dhurkhel, turns into a community event filled with laughter and togetherness. People gather at local water sources—wells, ponds, and lakes—for a grand cleaning drive. During this process, they playfully throw mud or dhur (meaning dust in Maithili) at one another, breaking social boundaries in a joyful, harmless manner.
This ritual of throwing mud isn’t just about fun—it brings all communities together, regardless of caste or creed. Everyone, men and women alike, joins hands to clean and protect their local water bodies. It’s a beautiful representation of unity and environmental awareness wrapped in cultural celebration.
Due to the day’s activities, no cooking is done at home. The chulha (stove) rests for the day, symbolizing a pause for cleanliness and sustainability. Women spend the afternoon organizing kitchens and homes, while men often head out to hunt—a traditional aspect still observed in certain rural areas.
Unlike Satuan, the night of Dhurkhel welcomes the consumption of meat. It’s a time when families gather, feast, and celebrate the successful conclusion of their cultural duties, bringing balance between restraint and indulgence.
A Festival of Balance and Belief
Jur Sital is more than just a festival—it’s a reflection of Maithili values, rooted in the harmony between nature, tradition, and community. It celebrates the life-giving force of water, the nourishing properties of local foods, and the spiritual connection between people and their ancestors.
As the heat of summer rises, Jur Sital reminds everyone to slow down, stay cool, and cherish the simple, enduring elements of life. Whether it’s sprinkling water for blessings, sharing sattu with love, or playing in the mud with neighbors—this festival continues to keep the cultural soul of Mithila alive and thriving.
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