Celebrations hold an important place in Sabariya community life. Social events mark major life stages and help strengthen unity, relationships, and shared responsibility. These occasions are usually community-based, with active participation from families, elders, and relatives, and they reflect long-established customs passed down through generations.
Birth and Chhatti
At the birth of a child, Sabariya families observe Chhatti, similar to local Chhattisgarhi customs. Family members and relatives gather to welcome the newborn and support the mother. This event strengthens family ties and marks the child’s formal introduction into the community.
Marriage
Marriage in the Sabariya community usually takes place within relatives or known family networks. In many cases, marriages are arranged by parents, sometimes decided early in life or even at birth. Marriage ceremonies are community-centered events that involve collective participation and shared responsibility.
Death and Funeral Practices
Funeral practices vary across different Sabariya settlements. In some places, people bury the deceased, while in other areas cremation is practiced. These customs are guided by local traditions and decisions taken by community elders.
Festivals and Worship
Sabariya families celebrate many festivals commonly observed in the surrounding region. Alongside this, the community also follows its own traditional worship practices, dedicated to community-deities. Decisions about when and how such events take place are usually made by elders, reflecting collective agreement rather than fixed dates.
Dand (Community Discipline)
Dand is a traditional system of community discipline used when social rules or norms are broken. Penalties may range from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the situation and decision of the community council. The collected amount is shared among those present at the Dand meeting, often used collectively for food and community gathering on the same day.
