Published Paper Details:

Abstract Introduction: Ethnography is the systematic study of people and cultures. It is designed to explore cultural phenomena where the researcher observes society from the point of view of the subject of the study or a scientific description of the culture of a society by someone who has lived in it. The Santal is a name of an ethnic group native to India and Bangladesh in South Asia. Santals are the largest tribe in the Jharkhand state of India in terms of population and are also found in the states of Assam, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal. Bapla is a Santali word which means marriage. Marriage in Santal tribal community is a sign of a prosperity and beginning of new life. Without joyful night by singing, dancing, drumming and playing flutes Santal marriage is not considered. Santal marriage takes five daysand it involves various, often complex, rituals. The most important and heritage part of the Santal Marriage is that, it is designed with lots of Games and some war like activity, that's the fitness competition in between two groups, Groom's side and the Bride's side, that has a direct relationship with the societies basic need and the new couples private need. Traditional games are more than just a games. They build body and spirit through the game and built harmony within the family and community and pride in one's heritage. Aim of the study: This researcher worked on the traditional games practices and the social values of it in the rituals of marriage ceremony of a particular Santal Tribal group. Study Area: Santal villages of Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. Methodology: Direct observation, Documents, Archival Records, Personal Interview. Results: Researcher found lots of games that is an essential part of the Santal Tribal marriage ritual and that has a direct relationship with the Santal Tribal Society. Conclusion: Social practices, rituals and festive events are habitual activities that structure the lives of communities and groups and that are shared by and relevant to many of their members. They are significant because they reaffirm the identity of those who practice them as a group or a society and help reinforce a sense of identity and continuity with the past. The games were played by all age and sex, children, youth, and adults, old age. The games have roots in ancestral tests of strength that reinforced group cooperation and sharpened survival skills in often hostile environments.