Fairs, Festivals, and Communities

Previous Year Questions Analysis

Archived:

Consider the following pairs: Traditions Communities
1. Chaliha Sahib Festival - Sindhis
2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra - Gonds
3. Wari-Warkari - Santhals Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[UPSC CSE Pre 2017]

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Correct Option: A

Only pair 1 is correctly matched: the Chaliha Sahib Festival is celebrated by the Sindhis. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is from Uttarakhand, and Wari-Warkari is a Maharashtrian tradition.

A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. None of the above

Analysis & Evidence

Concept


Indian cultural traditions and festivals are often specific to certain ethnic groups or geographical regions, serving as markers of community identity and religious devotion.

Authentic Source Evidence


Cultural ethnographic studies confirm Chaliha Sahib as a Sindhi fast, Nanda Raj Jaat as an Uttarakhandi pilgrimage (Pahadi communities), and Warkari as a Maharashtrian Bhakti tradition.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Pair 1 is correct. Chaliha Sahib is a 40-day fast observed by Sindhis to thank Lord Jhulelal for protection from persecution.

  • Logic 2: Pair 2 is incorrect. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra is a major pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, associated with the goddess Nanda Devi and local hill communities, not Gonds.

  • Logic 3: Pair 3 is incorrect. Wari-Warkari is a pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra performed by the Warkari sect (devotees of Vithoba), not the Santhal tribe of Jharkhand/Bengal.
  • Historical Logic Quest

    "What is the spiritual focus of the Wari-Warkari tradition?"

    It is a congregational walking pilgrimage focused on the equality of all devotees before Lord Vitthal, transcending caste and social barriers.

    The Topper's Edge

    "UPSC often pairs a well-known national tradition with a community from a completely different geographical region to test factual accuracy."

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