The state of Madhya Pradesh, the very heart of India has a vibrant, colourful, and fascinating culture. The state has cities that are filled with archaeological treats, dipped in powerful history. The rich culture has a major contribution to tribal communities. The tribal, and non-tribal community together makes the state a beautiful place to visit. As the state of Madhya Pradesh is known to be the highest rank holder in the housing tribal community, the community occupies 1/3 part of the entire region. All the communities residing respect each other culture and religion and together provide a beautiful state.  Madhya Pradesh has 3 distinct tribes- the Gond tribe, the Oraon tribe, and the Bhil tribe. The culture and festivals of these tribes are distinctive in nature.  BhagoriyaHaat, and Madai are two famous festivals that are celebrated by these tribal groups. Also, dance forms like Sela, Gaur, karma, and Kaksar, etc are famous. Madhya Pradesh has also a vast range of folk music.

Gond Tribe

The Gond known by another name Raj Gond is an Indian tribal group. The tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in India and most commonly found in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The culture of this tribe is distinctive. They speak Gondi Language which is somewhat related to Telugu and is also a Dravidian language. The marriage system is very different. Some of them are known as PoyseOttur that is marriage by capture, HaiwarMarmi that is marriage by elopement, and Odiyatturmarmi that is marriage by the intrusion. However, these are not considered very well among other societies. 

Ancient Gonds have known to know many astronomical ideas. They had their own terms for the Milky Way, Sun, moon, and constellations. These ideas were used as a base for calendrical activities and time-keeping. Some of the other states they are spread over are eastern Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha.

Bhil Tribe 

Bhils or Bheels is an ethnic group in West India.  The common language spoken by Bheels throughout their geographic location is Bhili. Now, most of these Bhils speak the language of the area they reside in, such as Gujarati, Marathi, or a Hindustani dialect. Bhils also have a rich and unique culture. 

Bheel Art 

The sub-division of Bhil is much known for its Pithora painting. 

Bheel Dance 

 The traditional folk dance of the Bhil tribe is Ghoomar. Representing the symbol of womanhood Ghoomar is famous in this tribe.

Bheel dress 

The traditional dress of men is Angarkha, Dhoti, Pagri,  andGamchha. The traditional dress of women is Sari and GhagraCholi. After Gonds and Santhals, the Bheels constitute the third largest tribe of India. 

Oraon Tribe 

The Oraons or Uraons live in Bihar, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh state. They like to call themselves as Kurukh People. It is speculated by scholars that they have migrated to these places in the past from the Konkan coast of South India.

Celebrated in spring, the Sarhul Festival is one of the most important festivals of the Oraons. It is the Feast of the Sal Blossoms, the Sal is a tree used in India for its timber. 

Religion of Madhya Pradesh

The culture of Madhya Pradesh is widely influenced by the amalgamation of Hindus, Christians, Jains, Muslims, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

Folk Music of Madhya Pradesh

The folk music in the state Madhya Pradesh can be divided into four major categories that are 

1. Seasonal songs

2. Songs for occasions 

3. Special songs of castes and creeds

4. and, ordinary songs

Some of the folk music are Bhajan, Dadra, Chaturang, Dhamar, Dhrupad, Ghazals, Hori, Khayal.

Some of the famous songs of Madhya Pradesh are – 

Chattisgarh’s religious songs can be categorised into Bhejli, Mataseva, Sua, Phag, Panthi, ChherchheraPuni, Jawara, Gaura, RaeetNaach and traditional Bhajan. 

Braj Music in Gwalior, Setam, and Bilwari in Bundelkhand. ‘Chaitparah’ and Dhankul by the tribes of Madhya Pradesh. In Jagdalpur, Leha songs are famous.

The folk music of Madhya Pradesh has evolved with time and it reveals the philosophical, rhythmical, and psychological concepts on humans. Being the heart of India due to its geographical location in the center of India, it has been a criss-cross culture, migration thus, justifying the cultural integration. The tribal music, ballads, seasonal songs, legendary narratives, ceremonial songs, work songs, songs about love, occupational songs that vary from caste to caste, and region to region uplifts the lifestyle and culture of the people of Madhya Pradesh.

Festivals and Events of Madhya Pradesh 

Festivals give a boost to the vast culture of Madhya Pradesh. One can understand the state more closely when they understand the festivals of the state. The place is full of festivals and events contributing to the richness. Apart from cheerfully celebrating common Indian festivals like Holi, Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, the festivals and fairs of tribes are also observed. 

Some of the festivals and events that are widely celebrated in MP are– 

 ‘Kalidas Samaroh’ celebrated to honor the great poet Kalidas. 

 ‘Tansen Samaroh’ is celebrated in Gwalior with great enthusiasm. It is celebrated to pay tribute to one of nine jewels of Akbar’s court, Tansen. 

BhagoriaHaat is celebrated by Bhils and Bhilalas tribes. It is also called the Love Festival by them. 

Kumbha Mela is the largest religious fair of the Hindus. Kumbha Mela sees the union of millions of devotees, monks, and pilgrimages.

All these tribes, places, cultures, customs, traditions, music, art make Madhya Pradesh a beautiful place to visit. All of these things together have contributed a lot to their society and state to make their culture known to the world and come out as a state that is rich in history and art.