04-Feb-2025

Celebrating Land Rights: Van Adhikar Mahotsavs in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, as part of the Abua Bir Abua Dishom (ABAD) campaign, several villages have successfully secured their CFR titles, marking a new chapter in their fight for land rights and forest governance.

To honor this achievement, these villages hosted Van Adhikar Mahotsavs, community-led celebrations marking the official recognition of their rights over forest lands. These events brought together local leaders, elders, and villagers in a collective affirmation of their identity, culture, and autonomy over their traditional forest resources.

The granting of CFR titles is not just an administrative process—it represents the restoration of rights, dignity, and decision-making power to Indigenous communities. Van Adhikar Mahotsavs serve as a platform to celebrate the success of securing CFR titles and acknowledge the collective efforts of the community.

These celebrations are a powerful reminder that CFR recognition is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a new era of self-governance, ecological protection, and economic self-sufficiency. The transition from informal use to legally recognized ownership paves the way for better access to government support, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and stronger community institutions.

As more villages across Jharkhand secure CFR titles, the momentum for community-led forest governance continues to grow. The success of Van Adhikar Mahotsavs underscores the importance of celebrating these victories, reinforcing community confidence, and strengthening local governance structures to ensure long-term sustainability.