Bhagoriya festival is a harvest festival celebrated by tribal people in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, a unique celebration of the Bhil and other indigenous communities such as Bhilalas and Pateliyas.
It is a festival of singing and dance which celebrates the arrival of Spring and harvest. The tribal people start the celebrations seven days before the festival of Holi.
Bhagoriya is more than just a festivity, it’s a vibrant expression of tribal culture, unity which also has a sacred linking with divinity, according to the beliefs of tribal community.
It is the tradition of the tribes of the hamlets here to honour Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Parvati. The name Bhagoriya is derived from “Bhav-Gauri”, another name for lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.
Locations of bhagoriya celebration
The festival takes place in the Barwani, Dhar, Alirajpur, Khargone and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is celebrated for seven days in the month of March before the Holi.
Traditionally, the people of the tribes travel to the festival grounds with their families on decorated bullock carts to do shopping for the upcoming festival of Holi and dance to traditional musical instruments, sing songs in unison with the tribal people of different areas.
The festival is the celebration of vibrant colours with music and dance in the ground of fair where men reach wearing dhoti, jhuladi, and a safa (turban), often accessorised with conventional weapons and a belt of bells around their waists. The tribal women appear in ghaghra and polki, adorned with dazzling accessories of silver jewellery from head to foot.
History
According to folklore the festival is connected to a king who initiated it for searching his missing daughter. However, historians attribute the patronage of the festival to King Kasumar Damor.
During the festival, the dancing tribes take Mahua liquor, a local brew enjoyed during the festivities. Groups from various villages arrive in processions, carrying traditional musical instruments such as the mandar, kund, brass plates, and flutes.
The dance is a visual treat with the fascinating performance of tribes in silver ornaments , vibrant attires enriched with intricate body movements and expressions.
The Bhagoriya Festival fairs are a treasure trove of tribal life, featuring shops selling tribal jewellery, artefacts, clothes, and indigenous items made by the tribal people.
Food stalls are also organized to offer local delicacies across the festival ground. The festival fair also comes alive with fun rides, including merry-go-rounds.
Cultural organisations and NGOs have taken initiatives to document and promote Bhagoriya festivities. DECU ISRO has worked with local artists to preserve the dance and its traditions. Recently Madhya Pradesh ministry has stated that Bhagoriya festival is part of its cultural heritage.
Indeed, tribal fests are to be revived & preserved for the posterity to understand the indigenous culture and tradition of this land in the decades yet to come. These kinds of tribal fests of the subcontinent features our tangible & intangible heritage which can inspire the world forever.
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