Ranchi, April 14 -- People in Ranchi celebrated Manda, a traditional harvest festival marked by intense ritual observance, including a week-long fast followed by the unique practice of walking barefoot over a burning pyre set up at the centre of the festival ground.

Organiser Rajkumar Mahto said that the event is deeply rooted in faith and draws participation from people across all castes, describing it as a centuries-old historic festival.

He has urged the state government to grant it the status of a state festival.

Speaking to ANI on Monday, Mahto said, "... This is associated with faith... People from every caste participate in this... This is a historic festival that has been going on for ages... I appeal to the state government to...