Remember the good old Bollywood melas where kids would lose their ways and some would reunite with their fam in a rather dramatic reunion?
In Madhya Pradesh’s Bhagoria
Tinkling sound of women trying new jewelry, thumping dholaks and human laughter screeching MP’s scorching heat is the heartwarming audio of the festival by Bhils.

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni
About Bhagoria Mela (Festival)
Celebrated seven days before Holi, Bhagoriya Haat is a festival of the tribals. Known as
It is at this festival of Bhagoria that young men and women express their love to the partner of their choice. If the other person accepts the proposal, the couple, by custom, elopes! Till their parents negotiate and agree to get them married, the couple stays in the hiding.

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni
The Legend of Bhagoria Festival
Bhagoria has three interesting stories behind it.
- The ‘
bhag ‘ in Bhagoria refers to running away. - Another story has it that the first hero and heroine of this festival were Bhav and Gauri. They are no one else but Lord Shiva and Parvati. Hence the name Bhagoria.
- The third story suggests that King Bhagore conquered this area. It is said that he allowed his army to elope with the girl of their choice, at the
haat . Since then, the tradition continues to be followed in some way every year.

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni

Picture Courtesy: Tanveer Farooqui
Of choices And Consent
While the children rush around squeaking with joy, the boys go ahead and put colors on the girls of their choice. The girl then smears

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni
Attending Bhagoria Festival
Bhagoria takes place in the month of February and March in
Here, see some nice pictures from this year’s Bhagoria Haat!

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni

Picture courtesy: Siddhant Soni
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