Aruna Sharma - The Heartland of Divinity. Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

The Heartland of Divinity Fa i r s a n d F e s t i v a l s o f M a d hy a P r a d e s h The Heartland of Divinity Fa i r s a n d F e s t i v a l s o f M a d hy a P r a d e s h Aruna Sharma

wisdom Madhya Pradesh Tourism tree First published in 2009 by Wisdom Tree 4779/23, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi - 110002 Phone: 91 - 11 - 23247966/67/68 wisdomtreebooks@gmail.com The project has been supported by Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited. Printed in India. Aruna Sharma Photographs Rajendra Janglay (front cover and back cover, p. 24, 44); Prem Kapoor (p. 7, 29, 70, 74); Madhya Pradesh Tourism (p. 10, 72, 73); Vinay Parelkar/Dinodia Images (p. 12); Ravi Shekhar/ Dinodia Images (p. 16); Subhash Sharma/Dinodia Images (p. 27, 28); B.P.S. 27, 28); B.P.S.

Walia/Indiapicture (p. 35); Ranjit Oberoi (p. 36); Manoj Navalkar/Dinodia Images (p. 38); Rajesh Sharma/Dinodia Images (p. 41); Hari Mahidhar/Dinodia Images (p. 60); Dinodia Images (p. 65); Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet and Kala Academy, Bhopal (p. 76, 79, 80, 83). 76, 79, 80, 83).

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the author and the publisher. ISBN 978-81-8328-158-4 Design: tiffinbox Selected References l Gupt, Ayodhya Prasad Kumud, Madhya Pradesh Ke Mele Aur Teej Tyohaar , Director, Public Relations, Madhya Pradesh, Banganga, Bhopal, 2005. l Sharma, Dr Manorama, Folk India (A Comprehensive Study of Indian Folk Music and Culture) , Vol.V, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Sundeep Prakashan, 2004. l Here the Charm Never Fades: Madhya Pradesh , ed. Prakash Gaur and Rashmi Shukla, Madhya Pradesh Madhyam, 2008.

CONTENTS Preface ---------------------- Introduction ---------------------- River Related Fairs and Festivals ---------------------- Sankranti Fair ---------- Khargones Navgraha Sankranti Fair ---------- Shivratri Fair ---------- Ramji Baba Fair ---------- Dhulteshvar Mahadev Chool Fair ---------- Maha Kumbh Mela ---------- Ganga Dussehra ---------- Rath Yatra of Garakota ---------- Ramnavmi Fair ---------- Ram Vivaha Fair ---------- Kartik Purnima Fair ---------- Nimar Utsav ---------- Narmada Parikrama ---------- Tribal and Regional Festivals ---------------------- Chherta or Khichrahi ---------- Meghnad ---------- Madai ---------- Bhagoria Haat ---------- Navakhani/Nabai ---------- Akshaya Tritiya/Aakhateej/Akti ---------- Ghaila/Bidri ---------- Dodh Balai/ Vat Savitri Pujan ---------- Krishna Janmashtami ---------- Babu Ki Doj/Gaaj Beej Ki Puja ---------- Suwata ---------- Mandu ---------- Tesu ---------- Jhinjhia ---------- Chitrakoot Deepawali Mela ---------- Some Other Fairs ---------- Cultural Festivals ---------------------- Lokrang ---------- Khajuraho Festival of Dances ---------- Allauddin Khan Samaroh ---------- Kumar Gandharva Samaroh ---------- Tansen Music Festival ---------- All India Kalidasa Festival ---------- ---------------------- HotelListings RIGHT Devotees gather at Ram Ghat, Ujjain on the occasion of Kumbh Mela.

PREFACE Madhya Pradesh is aptly called the Heartland of India, not just because it is at the centre of the country but because it embodies a plethora of cultures, traditions and festivals. The state offers a variety of uniqueness with its abundance of exciting fairs and festivals. Many festivals revolve around geographical features along the banks of rivers such as the Narmada, Shipra and Betwa, and the journey along the ravines of the Chambal River is incomparable to any travel experience across the world. Religious fairs add to the festivities, as the state has two of the twelve jyotirlingas shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped and is also home to the Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated every twelve years in Ujjain. Tribal fairs and festivals, along with those to celebrate unique dance and music forms of the state add further colour to the medley of festivities.

For travellers on a more leisurely visit, participating in a parikrama (circumambulation) of the Narmada River is essential to understanding why this sacred water body is the lifeline of the state with its rich produce of quality durum wheat, soya bean and vegetables. Madhya Pradesh is also a prominent cultural centre with important festivals taking place in Bhopal and high calibre classical music recitals in Gwalior and Dewas. Renowned classical dancers consider it prestigious to perform in the temple premises of Khajuraho, one of the venues where a great variety of Indian classical dances are celebrated at a grand scale. LEFT Young tribal women enjoying a ride at the Bhagoria Haat in Jhabua. The Heartland of Divinity: Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh Preface

ABOVE Crowds of people at the Maha Kumbh Mela, Ujjain. The Heartland of Divinity: Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh Preface Madhya Pradesh is a must see for both domestic and international travellers to understand the unique culture of this heartland.

There is so much to see in this region beyond the favoured tourist spots, and pairing them with religious, cultural or tribal fairs and festive celebrations will make the experience that much more special. The Heartland of Divinity will enable the tourist to plan well in advance, and experience the beauty of Madhya Pradesh at its festive best. l ba am Ch Gwalior Orchha Khajuraho Chitrakoot Son Maihar wa Bet i anad Ch Mah am Ujjain Bhopal Jabalpur So n ba a Narm ad Sh l Dewas ipr a Hoshangabad Jhabua Indore Mandu Narmada Amarkantak Maheshwar Omkareshwar Pachmarhi Mandla Khargone Khandwa Map not to scale. Tapti For representational purposes only. The Heartland of Divinity: Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

INTRODUCTION Madhya Pradesh is a region brimming with vibrancy and multicultural extravaganza. This diversity is visibly prominent in its people, culture and customs.

Since time immemorial, Madhya Pradesh has been home to people from different communities, religions and tribes. Its unique cultural and religious matrix has bestowed upon it tremendous specialties as far as its festivities are concerned. The heart of incredible India can be described as a cauldron of fairs and festivals. Virtually celebrating each day of the year, this geographical entity is known for its festive spirit. Madhya Pradesh is a land of abundance and that is the cue for the spirit of festivity that prevails here. The fairs, festivals and celebrations of this land indulge its cultural and religious fervour.

They act as the common thread binding the various local communities. Pertaining to different occasions, some celebrate the birthdays of deities and saints, while others welcome the seasons of the year, the rains, the full moon or the harvest. The state is known for the supreme variety of wheat, highest production of soya bean, coriander, fenugreek and the best quality of horticulture products like juicy oranges, Amrapali mangoes and berries. Adding to the agricultural abundance is its rich cultural heritage. The capital, Bhopal, is often spoken of as the cultural capital of India. The state also has the honour of being the home to Bharat Bhavan, the prestigious cultural institution, and has the reputation of being an active hub of cultural activities.

Next page