The Bhagoria festival of the Bhil tribes of Madhya Pradesh is associated with which major festival?

Bhagoria is a festival of the Bhil and Bhilala tribes of western Madhya Pradesh, especially the Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Khargone and Barwani districts. It is held in the week before Holi and is closely associated with it. It is celebrated as a festival of spring, harvest and joy.

Bhagoria is celebrated in the form of large weekly markets (haats) held in different villages in the seven days before Holi. These markets, known as Bhagoria haats, turn into colourful fairs. Tribal men and women dress in their best traditional clothes and silver jewellery, and they come in large numbers to buy goods, enjoy swings and food, and take part in dancing and music to the beat of large drums (mandal) and the sound of flutes. The festival also marks the end of the harvest of the rabi crops, so people celebrate with new money and new hope.

Bhagoria is popularly known for a traditional custom in which young men and women choose their life partners. According to this custom, a young man may offer a young woman a betel leaf or apply colour (gulal) to her face, and if she accepts, it shows that she agrees. The couple may then elope, and the families later arrange their marriage. Many observers say that this custom has been exaggerated in popular accounts, and today the festival is mainly a joyful community celebration.

The Bhils are one of the largest tribal communities of India, living in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. They are known for their archery, their colourful Bhil painting, made famous by Bhuri Bai, and dances such as Ghoomar, which is believed to have originated among them.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated in the month of Kartika.
• ✗Dussehra celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura.
• ✗Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival marking the sun's entry into Capricorn in January.