People, Culture and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh



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
  • Doll Making
  • Floor Coverings like carpets and durries
  • Folk Paintings
  • Iron Craft
  • uffed Toys
  • Terracotta
  • Textile Weaving
  • Woodcraft
  • Zari Embroidery
  • cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="1" align="center" width="95%"> Sl. No. Festival Location Specialty 1 Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh Ujjain Dramas and other classical programs of Indian origin along with literary presentations. 2 Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh Maihar, Satna Performances on the classical Indian music. 3 Ameer Khan Festival Indore Performances on the classical form of the music of India. 4 Chakradhar Samaroh Raigarh Performances on music and dance of the Indian classical form. 5 Bhagoriya Haat Jhabua and West Nimar Match making festival held during Holi in the month of March. 6 Bhavbhuti Samaroh Gwalior Varied literary programs on the language of Sanskrit are held there. 7 Dhrupad Samaroh Bhopal Vocal dhrupad performances on the classical music of India. 8 Festival of Dances Khajuraho Performances of classical dances of India by some dancers of national and international fame. 9 Keshav Jayanti Samaroh Orchha Literary presentations. 10 Lokrang Samaroh Bhopal 5 Day festival on folk arts of the nation. The Adivasi Lok Kala Academy of Madhya Pradesh organizes this festival every year on the Indian Republic Day (26th January). 11 Malwa Utsava Indore and Ujjain Performances on classical music and folk arts of the country. 12 Nimar Utsava Maheshwar Performances on classical form of music as well as folk music of India. 13 Pachmarhi Utsava Pachmarhi Performances on the folk arts of India. 14 Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh Dewas Performances on the country's classical music. 15 Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh Bhopal Performances by some of the noteworthy theatre personalities. 16 Rashtriya Ramleela Mela Different regions of the state of Madhya Pradesh Some of the best Ramleela repertories (People who perform in the Ramayana) actively participate in this festival. 17 Tansen Sangeet Samaroh Gwalior Classical instrumental and vocal shows held during the month of November or December where some of the best performers of the country perform.
    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
    To name a few of the well known festivals and fairs held commonly all over the state of Madhya Pradesh are:
    • Holi
    • Id
    • Navratri


    Last Updated on : 15th March 2013