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Bhagoria
Festival (RTT18)
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INDIA
is a country, which is rich in its traditions, and heritage every
region has its own customs and rituals, which are fascinating
and delightful. The Bhagoriya festival in the village of Bhakatgad
and Dahi are prime examples of the culture and traditions that
have been maintained throughout the years.
People
Enjoying at the Fair |
It is a mela or hatt, which takes us back to the mythological
times of Swvayamvars. A festival which takes us back to
the before holi (the festival of colour) mainly consisting
of Bhil, bhilala and nayakada tribes belonging from the
surrounding areas of Jabuwa Dist. of Madhya pradesh & Baroda
dist. of Gujarat get together for this festival.
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This
mela is a annual fair for these tribesmen where all men,
women and children of all ages get together in the best
of fineries for a day of dances, music, gaiety and enjoyment.
The main attraction of this fair is mathmaking that takes
place. Like a svayamvar of olden times a young man chooses
a bride for himself from all the women that are gathered
there. On selection he will whish here away to his village
where five days later the parents of the respective couple
get together to decide a amount that will be given to the
brides parents as dowry.
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Ladies
at the Fair |
Men
in Traditional Wear |
This
whole affair of finding a wife during the mela is very fascinating
as well as interesting for however in the world will be
find such primitive customs still prevailing. This it is
a delightful experience for any tourist visiting this area
during this particular period.
We at out end try to make this possible by camping in the
village of Bhaktgad during this festival. We put up deluxtents,
which are well equipped with all modern facilities. We also
plan a four day tour for the tourist which is explainable
in the following it energy.
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Day
1
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Arrive
at Bhakhatgad from Baroda which is 135kms. About a 31/2
hrs drive or come from Baghcaves to Bhaktgad and reach the
camp by 10.30 a.m. By 11.00a.m
The group can join in the festivities of the mela for the
full day. Lunch would be served at an appropriate time on
return to the camp there would be cocktails and dinners
for the GRP, night holt at the camp.
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Day
2
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After
B.F.A. jeep safari shall be taken (4 pax in one jeep) to
the near by villages of Bhil tribes, these are traditional
villages where we can see their way of life and homes. Return
to the camp for lunch again take a safari to visit a village
where a special dance will be organized which is known as
the 'GHER' return to camp for over night.
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Day
3
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After
B.F.depart for Dahi 60 kms from the campsite on the way
stop at SONDHWA village where a local hatt bazaar takes
place, stop there for and hour or so and then proceed to
Dahi.
Here
again one can attend the BHAGHORYA festival after lunch
which is organized at rajasaheb (king) Dahi's residence
spend about 3 to 4 hour at the festival where one takes
active part in the dances and music and their gaity, return
to the camp where a special social evening would be organized
along with cocktail and dinner, night halt at the camp.
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