The Jharkhand government, on January 31, issued an order to use โJoharโ for greetings at public events organised in the state
The word โJoharโ, which essentially means โsalutation and welcomeโ, is used within the tribal communities of Jharkhand, and in parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The notification issued by the government stated that the word โJoharโ should be used for greetings in programs and government functions organised by the state government.
The letter stated that everyone should greet each other with โJoharโ in all events and functions organised by the Jharkhand government.
It further said that since Jharkhand is a tribal majority state, thereโs a tradition to greet people with โJoharโ which represents the distinct culture and tradition of the region.
The order also issued directions to discontinue the use of bouquets and flowers to welcome dignitaries during events organised in the state. The government said that instead of flowers, dignitaries should be presented with plants, a book, a shawl or a memento.
The government letter was undersigned by Principal Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, addressed to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Heads of Departments and DCs of the state and directed to implement it.
Recently, while addressing the Kathiani Johar Yatra at Chaibasa, Chief minister Hemant Soren encouraged people to greet others with โJoharโ. He said that the word โJoharโ is associated with tribal culture and traditions, adding that instructions were also given to the administration in this regard.
Hindi is the official language in Jharkhand and is spoken by the people of the state, although different regions have their own languages. These include Nagpuri, Khortha, Kurmali, Magahi and Bhojpuri. Jharkhand has accorded additional official language status to Angika, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Bhumij, Ho, Kharia, Kurukh, Khortha, Kurmali, Magahi, Maithili, Mundari, Nagpuri, Odia, Santali and Urdu.
