Bhagoriya is the traditional harvest festival of the Bhil tribe who live mostly in western Uttar Pradesh. It is celebrated with maximum gusto in Jhabua and to a lesser extent in Dhar. Folklore has it that the festival derives its name from a place “Bhagor” in Jhabua district. For long, it has been known for its matchmaking activities which underline the revelry. Also for placating enimities and resolving old disputes – In sum, it is festival of the meeting of hearts. True to its genre, Bhagoriya has colour, sound, taste, smell and touch – in other words, it has something for all the senses. The weeklong festival is held on stipulated days and places labeled as “Haats”.

Early in the first half of the day people (esp. young ladies) start getting ready for the occasion. As noon approaches – one can see groups (esp. of the young ones) walking towards the site. In most cases one would see the groups of a particular village wearing the same colour scheme – to mark their collective identity and solidarity. Interestingly, black is the colour of choice (which is considered inauspicious among the caste Hindus).

More often than not plain (without any patterns) basic colours are used. Once at the site, greetings are exchanged and a general reconnaissance of the area is done (It could well be a way of shortlisting the potential beaus). All this while the respective groups arrive accompanied by drums of all sizes and shapes playing on a rhythmic slow beat whereas the pride of place is given to the Maandal – the huge drum played by an expert at the centre of the proceedings. Often, colourfully decked flutes accompany it. The dancers include both men and women – many a time a young beautiful lady holds centrestage. Music at Bhagoriya is rhythmic and without a change in the beat and so is the dance which is limited to a few steps with circular movement being the preferred mode. Interestingly, there is little singing involved, if at all (Ocassionally. Smell of Mahua pervades the air and the whiff of spicy snacks overtakes the senses – The local toddy flows freely with Bhajiyas (traditional fried chilly snacks). Trees of Amaltas, Palash and Semal lend colour to the environment. In particular, palash whose petals are used for making colour.

By mid day- drumbeats rise; dancing is faster, louder shouting
In between a young lad offers betel, tries to apply colour

As everything else in Indian society, its traditional elements jostle with the modern variants. The unfortunate fallout is the more famous ones have lost their charm – zing remains only in those the interior areas sot drinks, giant wheels, googles even traditional jewellry (esp. among men) defensive about, seen as market (with trinkets – only fresh produce, coming by buses; polyester, tacky make up occasional Aggresive love and trend has undergone a tremendous change over the years.

Bhagoriya; occasionally a bureaucrat visits and an odd poitical flag too. The policemen on watch can barely make any sense of the fuss.

As dusk approaches – beat crescendo, dancing frenzied. Those who’ve found mates. The ones who’ve been unsuccessful try and live it up and a third category of pure fun seekers slowly and gradually the crowds start dispersing – groups retracing their paths – mostly walking but also in over crowded jeeps
what makes it different
Change is a way of life but for traditions unchanging continuity is the spirit. Camera and outsider should not be allowed – (as was the norm earlier )- change with continuity do not want museum specimens.

It is incumbent upon us to maintain its pristine form – since it is a living record of a particular way of life. Turning it into a spectacle or an oddity would mean losing its spirit for ever. Towards the end
at sunset, it is as if nothing ever happened there – only memeories remain to return next year .

Mass Swayamvara; settle scores with adversaries

The merriment is dedicated to the worship of Bahgoradav(God of dance) and is held one week before the festival of color, Holi. This very popular tribal festival highlights the love, romance and marriage among the tribal folks.

According to the rituals of the festival, Bhil youths indulge themselves in meeting their future spouse. Unmarried men go around, applying color to his loved ones and if the girl reciprocates her sentiment, she applies color in return. Also the mutual exchange of betel leaf declares the loving environment. After this ritualistic permission, both the lovers are allowed to elope into some alien land so as to spend moments together. The marriage then get eventually salmonized and a warm welcome is presented to the newly wed couples

Addendum: Earlier an interlocutor – “Bhanjgariya“ deciding Dowry/ Bride Price – These days a distorted form – sort of extortion.