Dzhatva

Dzhatva, also sometimes transliterated as Jatva, is a term primarily used in the Ural region of Russia, specifically among the Udmurt people. It generally refers to a traditionally organized communal labor effort, often involving harvesting or other agricultural tasks. The practice emphasizes mutual assistance and collective work within a village or community. Dzhatva can also encompass construction projects or other tasks that benefit the community as a whole.

The concept of dzhatva is closely tied to Udmurt cultural values emphasizing cooperation, shared responsibility, and community solidarity. While the traditional form of dzhatva has diminished in modern times with the rise of mechanized agriculture and changing social structures, the underlying principles of mutual aid and collective effort continue to hold significance in some Udmurt communities. The term may also be used metaphorically to describe any large-scale collaborative effort.