Alirajpur

Alirajpur lies in the western part of MP, known as Malwa region . In this magical land of Madhya Pradesh, with many tourist places, Alirajpur is a important vacation destination for an art travel buff. The district is famous for wood carvings which display exquisite and beautiful craftsmanship. Since there is a significant population of the Bhils tribe in the region, it has also become the hub for Bhils for diverse kinds of trading and businesses.

The other appeal to visit the town is the well-known mango yard. Additionally, the “Noor Jahan” an exceptionally uncommon assortment of mango of which few trees are surviving, are found in the region, specially Katthiwara village located approximately at a distance of 60 km from Alirajpur.

Alirajpur’s topography is predominantly hilly and depends primarily on agricultural endeavors, especially mangoes. The agricultural trading yard in Alirajpur is the biggest when it comes to mango trading.

 Another attraction is Aadharkaanch village known for the traditional ‘Galsan Maala’ of beads. The intricate designs are made today in a way to suit the urban tastes. Neatly woven into multi colored necklaces, bangles and earrings, the bead works find their commercial and aesthetic recognition in the local fairs. The traditional Hansli (necklace) made of silver or white metal passed from one generation to another, is popular with trendy urban women.

There are also Jain temples in the district that are worth seeing. Laxmani Teerth temple, for example houses the idol of Padma Prabhu swami as its deity.

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport is Vadodara (Gujarat) air port (170 km from Alirajpur) and Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar airport Indore (202 km from Alirajpur ). If traveling by road is tiresome for you then book a flight from nearest airport which is Indore and Vadodara (Gujarat) and experience a happy journey.

By Rail

While Alirajpur has a good connectivity via railways the nearest railway station to reach the town is Dahod (Gujarat) railway station at a distance of 75 km. a new railway route is under process through Dahod to Alirajpur which will be starts soon.

By Road

There are several routes to reach Alirajpur by road. There are several direct bus services from Indore (200 km) to Alirapur, you can also reach Alirajpur by road through taxi. Alirajpur district is surrounded by Dhar and Badwani districts in the east, Gujarat in the west, Jhabua district in the north and Maharashtra state in the south, all these places can be reached by road.

Culture & Heritage

Tribal culture and folk arts of Alirajpur district: The tribal means early tribal people who live here are called the tribal. From the existence of human life on the earth to till today who are chronically living, they are tribal. Now as far as their culture is concerned It is pervasive and wide because the culture word include special rites of a community ,their habits, customs, rituals, festivals, way of life, diet, dressing , lifestyle etc.In this district, tribal community are mainly divided into three parts – 1. Bhil, 2. Bheelala, 3. Patliya. People of Bheelala and Patliya community are more developed , literate and resourceful whereas People of the Bhil community has still undeveloped . There are several reasons, But tribal have different identity.

Life of tribal are very simple and easy ,their needs are very limited. Their house are in “Phaliya” (Small Village),which is very important unit of a village .Such type of “Phaliya” constitute a village, these “Phaliya”may be in the area of 5 km and have around 25 to 50 houses in a “Phaliya” . Usually 10 “Phaliya” are in a village but some where it is extended up to 20 “Phaliya”.Generally, the home of tribal are of bamboo and mud ,but now a days Due to modernity and government schemes they are building Concrete houses and “havelis” in the villages.

“Bhagoriya”, “Ind”, “Choudas”, “Galbabji”, “Gata Stapna Divas”, “Nawai” festival at harvesting ,”Babadev Puja” and “Patla Pujan” are main festivals of the tribal. They also celebrate major Hindu festival “Holi”, “Diwali”, and “Rakhi” with joy. Play “Holi” , explode crackers at “Dewali” .

In tribal culture marriage of male and female are fixed by mutual consent by “Panchayat” .where in it is compulsory to pay by the groom’s side to the bride’s family, it is a custom that is also called “Dapa” .In this deal around 1000 to 50000 cash, Silver Jewellery, Goats and Grain are included after it marriage performed.

Important Tourist Places:

Katthiwada: Adventure, Natural / Scenic beauty

Katthiwada, another tehsil of the district Alirajpur,it is famous for its natural beauty. The district has the highest rainfall in the Katthiwada region. In rainy season, there is a natural waterfall starts and natural beauty comes out in a delightful manner which is the center of attraction for tourists. This area is also known for world’s famous Mango species called Nurjahan.

Chandra Shekhar Azad Nagar (Bhabhra): Historic

One of the five tehsils of Alirajpur district, Bhabhra is the birthplace of the famous revolutionary Shri Chandra Shekhar Azad. The name of Bhabhra tehsil has been changed and it is now known as Chandra Shekhar Azad Nagar. The main attraction in the city is the hut (home) of great revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad, place where he spent his childhood and then came out from here and played an important role in India’s independence struggle. Chandra Shekhar Aazad nagar is located about 40 kilometer distance from the district headquarter.

Bhagoriya Festival: Celebrated during: March

Importance:

The tribal people of Madhya Pradesh form an important part of its culture and contribute to the colorful graffiti of the state. They have their indigenous norms, moral yardsticks and tribal heritage that they strive to preserve. This unique tradition and vibrant culture comes alive in the Bhagoriya festival of Alirajpur.The festival marks the onset of the spring season and falls a few days before Holi. It is a boisterous merriment, accompanied by singing, dancing and drunken revelry.

Bhagoria Festival is especially a trademark celebration of the Bhils, particularly in the district of West Nimar,Jhabua and Alirajpur district. 

Apart from rejoicing in the bounty of the spring season, the prominence of the festival lies in it being a mass svayamvara or a marriage market. As the name suggests, ‘Bhag’ Means ‘Run’ in Hindi. Thus, during the festival of Bhagoria, young people choose their partners and elope with them. Eventually, they are accepted as man and wife, as per the sietal convention dictates. Thus, it forms an apt time for lovers to elope with each other and seal their love with conjugal bliss and formal acceptance.

Festive Attires :

Young boys and girls wear gaudy clothes and jewellery and congregate in the village fair during Bhagoria. According to tradition, the girl smears gulal (colored powder) on the forehead of the boy whom she selects as her bridegroom. The boy reciprocates in a like manner if he harbors positive feelings for her. In no time, the couple escapes to the forests and is declared as husband and wife. Earlier, Bhagoriya Haat was also the meeting ground to settle account with adversaries. Today, it is solely a positive festival that celebrates the joyous aspects of life. A festival of love, life, music and colors, Bhagoria no doubt carves a special niche amongst the tribal people of Madhya Pradesh.