The Heartland of Divinity: Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

By Aruna Sharma

Madhya Pradesh is a region brimming with diversity, visibly prominent in its culture and customs. Home to people from different communities, religions and tribes, Madhya Pradesh is blessed with a unique cultural and religious identity - the heart of incredible India can be described as a cauldron of fairs and festivals. The fairs, festivals and celebrations in the state act as the common thread binding the various local communities.
The geographical diversity of Madhya Pradesh is a treat. It is an opportunity to experience, participate and enjoy the vibrant local culture of the heartland and understand its ethos. Amidst the natural beauty of the state - rivers, mountains, forests and the breathtaking man-made structures - the fairs and festivals of Madhya Pradesh leave an everlasting impression on every visitor’s mind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wisdom Tree Publishers
• Release date: Feb 3, 2011
• ISBN: 9788183282222

Aruna Sharma

Aruna Sharma is known for her work in Development Economics. Her passion for observation has resulted in this book, which highlights a unique way to travel in Madhya Pradesh.

Book preview

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

[e-mail]

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. 8, 22, 33, 40, 46, 47, 48, 54, 62); Madhyam (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. 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. 55, 57); Rajeev Sachdeva/Indiapicture (p. 60); Dinodia Images (p. 65); Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet and Kala Academy, Bhopal (p. 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                              ----------------------    9 Introduction                         ----------------------   13

River Related Fairs and Festivals        ----------------------   17 Sankranti Fair                                   ----------    18 Khargone’s Navgraha Sankranti Fair                 ----------    20 Shivratri Fair                                   ----------    21 Ramji Baba Fair                                   ----------    24 Dhulteshvar Mahadev Chool Fair                     ----------    25 Maha Kumbh Mela                                   ----------    26 Ganga Dussehra                                   ----------    29 Rath Yatra of Garakota                             ----------    30 Ramnavmi Fair                                    ----------    31 Ram Vivaha Fair                                   ----------    32 Kartik Purnima Fair                               ----------    34 Nimar Utsav                                      ----------    37 Narmada Parikrama                                ----------    39

Tribal and Regional Festivals           ----------------------   41 Chherta or Khichrahi                              ----------    42 Meghnad                                         ----------    43

Madai                                       ----------    43 Bhagoria Haat                                ----------    45 Navakhani/Nabai                             ----------    49 Akshaya Tritiya/Aakhateej/Akti               ----------    50 Ghaila/Bidri                                ----------    52 Dodh Balai/ Vat Savitri Pujan                   ----------    53 Krishna Janmashtami                          ----------    56 Babu Ki Doj/Gaaj Beej Ki Puja                    ----------    58 Suwata                                      ----------    59 Mandu                                       ----------    60 Tesu                                        ----------    61 Jhinjhia                                    ----------    62 Chitrakoot Deepawali Mela                     ----------    63 Some Other Fairs                              ----------    64

Cultural Festivals                ----------------------   71 Lokrang                                     ----------    72 Khajuraho Festival of Dances                   ----------    75 Allauddin Khan Samaroh                        ----------    77 Kumar Gandharva Samaroh                       ----------    78 Tansen Music Festival                         ----------    81 All India Kalidasa Festival                    ----------    82

---------------------- HotelListings                                             84

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