Lifestyle of people of Madhya Pradesh
The state of Madhya Pradesh located in the central part of the country of India is mostly inhabited by different tribal communities. Apart from them, the state's population mainly comprises of people belonging to the religions of Hindu, Muslims, Jains and Parsis. Among them, Hindus form the majority. However, most of the Madhya Pradesh people lead an easy and slow paced life.
Some of the most popular tribal groups residing in the state are Baigas, Bhilals, Bhils, Gonds, Halba, Kamaras, Kols, Korkens, Murias, Oraons and Sahariya. Among these tribes, Bhils are said to be a group of hunters and warriors. Most of the Oraons have converted to the religion of Christianity. Though they used to be semi-nomads in the earlier ages, but now almost everyone has settled down with their chosen occupation. In order to earn livelihood, they involve themselves in varied activities. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Panikas and the Khaiwas whereas the Mangetri Pradhans earn their livelihood by dancing and singing. Some of these tribes have even moved towards the city to be in a rewarding profession. Many people from the tribal background are, nowadays, found to be working as a worker in factories or as a shopkeeper or street hawker.
Interestingly, modernization could not deviate them from their unique age old traditions and customs. The rituals vary from one tribal community to another. Some of the rituals have even got educational significance since, they teach lessons on moral values to the younger generation. However, in recent times, many tribal groups have started following Hindu customs during ceremonies related to birth, marriage and death. The tribal communities of Bhilalas and Bhils follow an exclusive method of marriage, where life partner is chosen in Bhagoriya Haat, a special festival fair.
With a legacy of musicians, Indian classical songs as well as folk songs form a part of the distinctive culture of the state. Relo, a kind of folk song of tribal children of the Sing Maria and Muria tribes is one of the popular music of the state. Dhankul songs and Chait Parah are even popular in the state. The Jagdalpur region of this central Indian state is known for their typical type of songs called Leha. Leha song is a kind of ritual song, which is usually sung while departing from the near and dear people. Madhya Pradesh musicians mainly use musical instruments like flute and harmonium.
ock Printing
Besides the festivals mentioned above, some of the other renowned fairs and festivals of the state are as follows:
- Chaitra Fair held at Biaora in Malwa
- Chethiyagiri Vihara held at Sanchi
- Christmas held in the month of December
- Diwali held for 5 days
- Dussehra held at Bastar in between the months of September and October
- Gal Yatra
- Karam or Karma of the Korba Tribes held during the month of August
- Kumbha Mela, a famous Hindu festival held at Ujjain
- Laru Kaj, an unique festival of the tribal community of Gond that involves sacrifice of pigs
- Madai Fair held at Jhabua in the month of February
- Malwa Festival held at Indore
- Pir Budhan held at Shivpuri in Sanwra
- Rajjim Fair held at Rajjim in Raipur
- Ramnavami held at Orchha and Chitrakoot
- Shivratri Mela held at Pachmarhi during the month of February or March
- Tejajee Fair held at Bhamawad in Guna
- The Fair of Nagaji held at Porsa in Munera
- Holi
- Id
- Navratri
Last Updated on : 15th March 2013