Exalted Fairs and Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

Fairs and Festivals are considered an important element of Madhya Pradesh, it indicates the vivid culture and lifestyle of the state. Traditions, customs and beliefs of Madhya Pradesh are reflected in these festivities. As Madhya Pradesh is home to highest number of Tribal people so we get to see the perfect amalgamation of Urban and Tribal ethnicities. Many traditional delicious cuisines, handmade decors, crafts, antique pieces and customary clothes are found here. Magnificent colors of the state is portrayed through this festival. So, lets take take a quick glance at some of these festivals.

1) Lokrang Festival

Also known as Lokrang Mahotsav, its a five day celebration organized every year on 26th January. During such celebration stage exhibits splendid performances of  folk music and dance. We even get to see varieties of handicrafts and other authentic elements. There is a huge display of Madhya Pradesh’s cultural diversity. It is organized by Madhya Pradesh Adivasi Lok Kala Academy.

2)  Khajuraho Festival

This festival takes place in the month of February, it’s a seven day event. We get to see many classical dance forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odisi, Kuchipudi. It evinces the actual India dance forms.It is conducted in open air theatre across the Chitragupta Temple, dedicated to Surya Dev ( sun god) and Vishvanatha Temple. Khajuraho Dance festival is arranged by Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad.

3) Tansen Music Festival or Tansen Samaroh

This is the big festival where people especially musical lovers and artists from all over the world come to pay tribute to Musical Virtuoso Tansen. He was the quintessence of Hindustani Classical Music and was one of the nine jewel of Akbar’s Court. It’s a 4 day spectacular musical function where many proficient artists give instrumental and vocal performances. These celebrations are organized by Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy, under the department of culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

4) Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

It’s a literary cultural seven days festival organized in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh. It is organized in the memory of Eminent poet, Kalidas. It takes place every year during Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Devprabodhini  Ekadashi).It is celebrated in three parts where central attraction is Sanskrit Dramas. Several scholars of the country also arrive here to read research papers about Kalidasa and Sanskrit Literature. Poem recitation , story telling and cultural performances are the part of such festival. This festival is organized by Kalidas Academy of Ujjain which is setup by Ministry of Culture of Madhya Pradesh along with Vikram University.

5) Bhagoria Haat Festival

It is considered one of the hilarious festivals organized by Bhils and Bhilalas tribe. This Haat is usually taken as Swayamvar, where the girls can choose suitable partners for them. Here boys and girls splash red colored powder on each others faces to show liking for them and then boys and girls elope after selecting their partner but this elopement is a form of ritual only. Afterwards they get married in a formal religious ceremony.

Also it takes place at the end of Harvesting season in the month of March before Holi. So many people celebrate this festival to mark the accomplishment of Harvest.It takes place in Jhabua and West Nimar District Of Madhya Pradesh.

6) Ujjain Kumbh Mela

Ujjain is one of the city where Kumbh Mela is held, . This divine mela indicates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated after every 12 years where glorified  celebrations takes place. The main activity here involves the dip in the holy river Shipra, it is presumed that whoever  jumps into this river and have a ritual bathing, they are cleansed from all the sins and are released from the cycle of rebirth, the other activities involved here are singing of Bhjans , spiritual discussions, debates related to mythology and serving of food to holy men and poor.

7) Nagaji Fair

It is basically the festival of tribal areas, celebrated in the memory of the great Sage Nagaji Maharaj, who was the devoted follower of Naga descent. He lived in Porsa (in Morena District) about 400 years ago during Akbar’s governance. People from nearby villages and tribes accumulate here to pay homage through this fair During November- December months. In the former times Monkey trade used to be the main activity but now domestic animals are only traded. Many other customary and ethnic activities also takes place during this fair. Tribals get involved in many dance and music activities. Sir kindly go through this article and give me the feedback.