The
tribal people of Madhya Pradesh form an important part of its culture
and contribute to the colorful graffiti of the state. They have their
indigenous norms, moral yardsticks and tribal heritage that they strive
to preserve. This unique tradition and vibrant culture comes alive in
the Bhagoriya festival of Jhabua. Jhabua is a quaint town on the
Gujarat-Rajasthan border of Madhya Pradesh and is the backdrop of
celebration of the annual Bhagoriya Haat. The festival marks the onset
of the spring season and falls a few days before Holi. It is a
boisterous merriment, accompanied by singing, dancing and drunken
revelry.Bhagoria Festival is especially a trademark celebration of the Bhils and Bhilalas, particularly in the district of West Nimar and Jhabua. Apart from rejoicing in the bounty of the spring season, the prominence of the fetsival lies in it being a mass svayamvara or a marriage market. As the name suggets, 'Bhag' Means 'Run' in Hindi. Thus, during the festival of Bhagoria, young people choose their partners and elope with them. Eventually, they are accepted as man and wife, as per the sietal convention dictates. Thus, it forms an apt time for lovers to elope with each other and seal their love with conjugal bliss and formal acceptance.
Young boys and girls deck themselves in gaudy clothes and jewelry and congregate in the village fair during Bhagoria. According to tradition, the girl smears gulal (colored powder) on the forehead of the boy whom she selects as her bridegroom. The boy reciproates in a like manner if he harbors positive feelings for her. In no time, the couple escapes to the forests and is declared as husband and wife. Earlier, Bhagoriya Haat was also the meeting ground to settle account with adversaries. Today, it is solely a positive festival that celebrates the joyous aspects of life. A festival of love, life, music and colors, Bhagoria no doubt carves a special niche amongst the tribal people of Madhya Pradesh.
