A note on the Nepalese Satar festivals of Soharai and Patamela

The Satars live in Morang and Jhapa districts in the eastern-most part of Nepal's Terai. They migrated to Nepal from Santhal Pargana and Choot-Nagpur of Bihar in India. Satas and Santals are of known common origin. In India they are called Santals while in Nepal they are known as Satars. Two festivals, Sohari and Patamela, are highlights of Satar traditions. The reasons for celebrating these festivals are different, but there are some striking similarities underlying the rituals. This paper represents the author's PhD fieldwork in a Satar village of Morang district.