Bhils Tribe- An introduction

Bhils tribes of India are the the largest tribe of South Asia comprising 39% of the total population of Rajasthan. These Indian tribes have a mention even in epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Going by legends Bhil women offered ber to Lord Rama, when he was in the jungles of Dhandaka, searching Sita. In the recent history as well these tribes of India were regarded as the fighters who were in a war against the Mughals, Marathas and the Britishers.

Bhils Tribe- Location

These tribes are largely found in Rajasthan. Bhils tribe are classified into two groups- the central or pure bhils and eastern or Rajput Bhils. The central category of these Indian tribes are found in mountain regions in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujrat and Rajasthan. Bhils tribes are also found in the north eastern parts of Tripura.

Bhils Tribe- Language

Bhili, which is an Indo Aryan language is the prime language spoken by Bhils tribes of India.

Bhils Tribe- Costumes

Traditional saris, loose long frock along with pyjama are the forte dress of women and men respectively of the Bhils tribes. The peasants wear turbans and Bhils also wear brass ornaments.

Bhils Tribe- Religion

These Indian tribes have a unique religious and ritual beliefs. Bhils tribes of India worship local deities like Khandoba, Kanhoba and Sitalmata. Tiger God called 'vaghdev' is also worshiped. They have no temples of their own though, but they have Bhagat or Gurus who perform the religious rites. On important occasions they consult Badvas- the hereditary sorcerer.

Bhils Tribe- Culture

The culture could be most enjoyable of all the tribes we have seen on our Indian tribal tour. These tribes of India are known for their distinctive society culture. The have a Panchayat like culture where the village headsmen deals with all the major disputes. The strictly adhere to the rules of the society and marry only in their own class. Rich on culture they give a lot of importance to dance and music. Ghoomar is the most famous dance amongst Bhils tribes of India. Than Gair is the religious dance drama performed by the men in the month of Sharavana (July and August). Highly talented on sculptures art, they make beautiful horses, elephants, tigers, deities out of clay.

Bhils Tribe- Fairs and Festivals

Baneshwar fair held during the period of Shivatri (in the month of January or February) dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev also known as Lord Shiva is the main festival amongst Bhils tribes. During the festival these Indian tribes set up camps on the banks of the Som and Mahi river, perform dance around the fire and sing traditional songs. At night the raslila at the Lakshmi Narayan temple is a must watch.

Cultural shows, magic shows, animal shows acrobatic feast are the center of attraction at the fair. They also celebrate Holy and Dusshera.

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Language

Bhils speak Bhil languages, which include Bhili, Bhilali, Bauria, Dhodia, Dubli, Gamit, Pardhi, Vasavi, Wagdi and others. The Bhil dialect consists of Rajsthani, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi words.

Dress

Bhil males wear loose long frock like upper garment along with pyjamas. The females wear traditional saris. The Bhisl also love to display brass ornaments on their bodies.

Occupation

Bhils were valiant hunters earlier with bow and arrows. In the past, they had been appointed as state hunters by the ruling Rajputs. They were also expert in conducting guerrilla warfare that often put the advancing Mughals in discomfort. However, today they have turned more towards agriculture as their source of livelihood.

Religion

The religious practices of the Bhils differ from one place to another. Most Bhils worship local deities like Khandoba, Bahiroba and Sitalmata as well as tiger god called ‘Vaghdev’. They also worship a deity by the name of ‘Raja Pantha’. The Bhils consult the Badvas, the hereditary sorcerers on all the pious occasions while Bhagat or Gurus perform the religious rites. Bhils, however, do not have any temple for worshipping activities. Bhils also worship nature in the form of crops, fields, water, forest and mountains.

Social set up

Bhils follow strict social rules and regulations. The village headsmen act as arbitrators in cases of social disputes. Only intra-tribe marriage is encouraged in the Bhil society.

Music

the Bhils attach much importance to cultural activities. Ghoomar is a famous dance form of the Bhils while Gair is a religious drama staged by the Bhil men during Shravana (the monsoon season)

Artistry

The Bhils are also known for their sculpturer skills. Their clay statues are items of great admiration.

Fairs

Baneshwar is the main festival of the Bhils. The fair is held at the time of Shivratri (January-February) in the name of Baneshwar Mahadev (another name of Lord Shiva). During this occasion, Bhils from all parts gather together on the banks of Som and Mahi rivers and engage in group dance and traditional songs. Raslila is held at the Lakhsmi Narayan Temple during the night. Cultural activities and feast are the main attractions during this fair. Besides, Holi and Dussera are other major festivals of the Bhils.

Entertainmaent

A popular form of entertainment among the Bhils is Sawang, a story telling activity combined with dancing and music.

Bhils of Jhabua

Jabua district in Madhya Pradesh has the highest concentration of the Bhils. Over 1.5 million Bhils live as marginal villagers in as many as 2,000 villages in the district. The region is one of the most backward in India which is ravaged by drought, diseases, illiteracy and other social evils.

Jhabua district has the highest percentage of tribal population in Central India and is one of the country’s poorest regions. Illiteracy, disease outbreaks, drought, soil erosion and overpopulation resulting in migration make this district one of the most challenging regions for development work. Two non-governmental organizations, namely the Aktionsgemeinschaft Partner Indiens (API) from Germany and the Bhil Health Initiatve and Literacy Society (BHILS) based in Jhabua that work for the uplift and improvement of the local Bhils. The latter body includes committed individuals belonging to the the Bhil tribe.

Bhutia tribes- Introduction

After a journey break in our Indian tribal tour, we are back to our scanning of various tribes of India. Today in focus are the Bhutia tribes of India. Originally of Tibetan origin, Bhutia tribes migrated to Sikkim in around 16th century. Today, these Indian tribes constitute a massive 14% of total population of Sikkim. Bhutia tribes are kind and warm hearted people and the hospitality shown here is something that is distinctive from other tribes in India. So, drive up to Sikkim and explore the best of Indian tribal culture, and enjoy the best of cuisines of these Indian tribes.

Bhutia tribes- Location

Bhutia tribes inhabit in the dry valley of northern part of Sikkim. Among the localities, they are also known as Lachenpas and Lachungpas.

Bhutia tribes- Language

Sikkimese is the highest spoken language amongst Bhutia tribes of India. Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, English and Hindi are some of the other languages on which Bhutia tribes are good at. Very few tribes in India except Bhutia tribes have such good command on so many languages.

Bhutia tribes- Costumes

Bhutia tribes have a very distinguished dressing culture. Females usually prefer heavy jewelery of pure gold with full sleeves blouse and a loose gown type garment. Males prefer wearing Bakhu which is a loose traditional dress with the full sleeves.

Bhutia tribes- Culture

These tribes of India live in a rectangular house called Khin. Bhutia tribes follow tantric Buddhism. Their legal framework form the best part of the culture. They term it as Dzumsa, which means the rendezvous point of the common masses headed by Pipon. Almost all the occupational responsibilities like grazing etc fall on the Pipon. Agriculture, herdsmen ship and the breeding of sheep and yaks form the main source of occupation amongst Bhutia tribes of India.

Bhutia tribes- Food

Bhutia tribes are mainly rice, animal fat and beef eaters. Come to Bhutia tribes in India and enjoy stuff like Momos, Ningro with Churpi, Sidra Ko Achar, Pakku, Kodo Ko Roti, Silam Ko Achar, Phulaurah Gundruk, Phagshapa, Sael Roti. They are very fond of Chaang (the millet bear). It is served in the special bamboo container called Tongba with the hollow pipe made of Bamboo.

Bhutia tribes- Festivals

Main Bhutia festivals fall in the month of February and December. Losar and Losoong are the highlight festivals celebrated amongst Bhutia tribes of India. Losar falls in the first week of February, embarking

the Tibetan new year. The act of Fire Metho in the evening is something to look forward for. On the other hand, Losoong in the month of December marks the end of the Harvest season. Electrifying atmosphere, with Chaan dancing, merrymaking at the monasteries at Palace (Tsuklakhang), Phondong and Rumtek add zing to the festivals. Archery competition, offerings to the God, are some major seeings at the festival. Stage fights and passing through the crowds with the fire torches add another ting of excitement to the festival.

Dress

Male Bhutias wear Baku, a loose cloak fastened at the neck and near the waist with silk/cotton belt along with a loose trouser. The Bhutia females, on the other hand, don Honju, a silk full sleeve blouse with a loose gown fastened near waist. The married females wear a Pangden, a loose colourful woolen cloth featuring various designs. Both the male and female wear embroidered leather boots. Bhutias have a fascination for wearing golden ornaments.

Santhal Tribe- An Introduction

A step forward, in our Indian tribal tour takes us to Santhal tribe. With a population of more than 49000, Santhal tribes are the third largest tribes in India. Belonging to pre Aryan period, these tribes of India are found in regions of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand. Many call them as “ the tribes

at extreme”, a visit to their place will surly get your moneys worth.

Santhal tribe- History

Santhal Tribes of India take pride in their past. Historically, these Indian tribes were at front end against

Britishers, and their heroics against Lord Cornwallis are well known. Many famous personalities such

as Sidhu and Baba Tilka Majhi were part of these enthusiastic tribes of India.

Santhal tribe- Language

Santhali is the prime language spoken by the Santhal Tribe. This Indian tribe also have a script of their own called Olchiki. Apart from Santhali they also speak Bengali, Oriya and Hindi.

Santhal tribe- Livelihood

The Santhal tribes of India have a typical tribal lifestyle. Basic needs are fulfilled by forest tress and plants. The tribes are also engaged in fishing and cultivation. These tribes of India also poses a magnificent skill of making musical equipments, mats and baskets out of the plants. The way this articulate process is carried out is worth wathing.

Santhal tribe- Culture

Dancing and music are the streamline of these Indian tribes. Santhal women dress in the red bordered white sari and dance in the line sequence. These tribes in India play mind soothing music with instruments like Tirio, Dhodro banam, Phet banam, Tumdak, Tamak, Junko and Singa.

Santhal tribe- Religion

Ironically, Santhals don't have a temple of their own and neither do they worship any idols. These tribes of India follow the Sarna religion, with Marangburu, Jaheraera, and Manjhi as their god and goddess.

Santhals pay respect to the ghosts and spirits like Kal Sing, Lakchera, Beudarang etc. Animal sacrifices in order to appease the Gods is a common practice amongst these energetic tribes of India.

banjara Women’s dressing is the most colourful and elaborate among the other tribal communities in India. They are accustomed to wearing the costumes of “ghaghra” and “choli”(a blouse). Ghaghra is a

skirt made of red, black and white cotton, embellished with pieces of mirrored glass that are embroidered on it.Banjara women wear a full length skirt with borders embroidered in mustard and green thread. They also wear pretty silver anklets. Silver, brass, gold, cowries, ivory, animal bone and even plastic are used in making a Banjara wardrobe.

Culture

Karam festival which falls in the month of September and October, is the highlight festival followed by tedany visitor trevelling to these tribes in India. Other festivals of the celebrated include Maghe, Baba Bonga, Sahrai, Ero, Asaria and Namah. They also celebrate haunting festival called Disum sendra on the eve of Baishakhi Purnima.

Posted by Mr Travel at 10:13 PM

Banjara people are very much fascinated and like non-vegetarian food. Saloi (made from goat blood and other parts of goat) is non vegetarian dish made especially by Banjara People. Banjaras prefer eating spicy food.

The occupation of Banjars are gathering of forest products and agriculture. These tribes are experts in traditional hand embroidery with mirror works.