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About Bhagoria

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About Bhagoria

Bhagoria is the spring festival of the Bhil and Bhilala communities of western Madhya Pradesh. It is held in the seven days before Holi, when the wheat and gram harvest is ready and the mahua trees are in bloom.

Each day a different village haat, the weekly market, turns into a festival ground. People come in their brightest clothes and silver jewellery, and bands of dhol and mandal drums and bansuri flutes play from morning to evening. There are swings, sweets such as gud ki jalebi, and stalls of bangles and colours.

The biggest Bhagoria haats are held in the districts of Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani and Khargone. Families who have gone to work in cities often come home for Bhagoria, so it is also a season of reunion.

Bhagoria is a joyful welcome to spring and to Holi, and a proud celebration of Bhil music, dance and dress.

How people celebrate Bhagoria

  • Festive village haats every day of the week
  • Dhol, mandal and bansuri music
  • Bright clothes and silver jewellery
  • Group dances in circles
  • Swings, gud ki jalebi and festive food
  • Gulal and colours before Holi

How to wish well

  • Wishes about spring, harvest, music and coming home suit the festival.
  • Respect Bhagoria as a living tradition of the Bhil communities: no stereotypes or jokes about customs.
  • "Bhagoria parv ki hardik shubhkamnayen" is a warm greeting in Hindi.
  • A wish for the harvest and for Holi together works well in this week.

Questions about Bhagoria

When is Bhagoria 2027?

Bhagoria haats are held in the seven days before Holika Dahan. In 2027 that is from 15 to 21 March.

Where is Bhagoria celebrated?

Mainly in the districts of Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani and Khargone in western Madhya Pradesh.

Who celebrates Bhagoria?

The Bhil and Bhilala communities, with people from nearby villages and towns joining the haats.

What is a Bhagoria haat?

A weekly village market that turns into a festival ground, with music, dance, swings, sweets and shopping.

Why is Bhagoria celebrated?

It welcomes spring and the harvest before Holi, and brings families and villages together.

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