About Tamia

Gonds and Bharias mainly constitute the population of Patalkot. It is said that Bharias have been living here for more than 500 years. Though there are almost 51 Gothras (lineage in the Hindu community)in Bharia tribes but only 16 Gothra have been traced in the valley. Tribals never allow their daughter to get marry in in same Gothras. Tribal men, women and children wear traditional dresses during their festive times and enjoy it. Chulki, Mundri, Binoria, Toda, Hasli, Kardona, Paijan, Mohanmala, Kushmala, Mungiamala, Markadhana mala and Patli are the common ornaments they show off at this time.

Gods and Goddesses

Tribals perform prayers and rituals everyday. The place where they perform Pooja (prayer) is called as Devghar. Tribals worship Mahadev, Badadev, Madai, Madmi Mai, Dhuladev, Nandia, Surjadev, Agiadev as their gods and goddesses.

Music instruments

Nagda, Timki, Shehnai, Chakule, Singa, Tambura, Chikara, Bansuri, Ghunghru, Khadtaal, Madar, Dhol, Dahak and Tudiya are the common instruments they play during various ceremonies and rituals.

Cultivation pattern

Bharia tribes perform Dahiya cultivation. In this method, soil is ploughed with a Khurpi. As the land is not plain, ladder shaped or canal shaped rifts are made on soil and seedlings are planted. Bharias believe that soil is their mother and they should not apply Bhakkhar (Ploughing instrument pulled by bullocks). As per them, Bakkhar hurts their motherland. Nari, Basula, Girma, Pans, Hasiya, Tapar, Khant, Por, etc. are the material goods required for the cultivation.

Rituals and Tradition

Tribals dance and enjoy each and every social and cultural gathering. Some popular dances they perform are: Holi, Gusai, Karma, Rreena, Saila, Gendi, Dadariya, Jharpat, Bilma, Tapadi, Cherta, Sing Madiya, Hulki, Rela, Choli, Ghanti, Madri, Gour, Sahul, Tunta, Karama, Dumkuch, Dhuriya, Thapti, etc.

Saila Dance:  A festival called Bhujaliya is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement in the valley. This festival lasts throughout the month. A group of 8-10 men perform dance holding a drum stick (1-1/2 feet long) in their hands. They make a circle and keep on singing folk songs continuously. Dhol and Timki are the musical instruments which are played at this time.

Karma Dance: Itis basically a dance of Baigas (Another tribe in Central India)who live in Mandla district but Patalkot tribals have also adopted this form of dance. Tribals bring Karmi/ Kalmi or Haldu twig from the forest, cover it with a cotton cloth and they place it in a drench or pit. Instruments such as Madar, Dhol and Bansuri are played. Tribals dance near the place where they put the twig.  At one side, a group of men hold their hands and dance in semi lunar pattern. On the other side, girls and ladies hold their hands together and they also dance. In the songs, question and answer each other. Dhol and Madar players put themselves in between both the groups.

Important festivals

Meghnath is one the most important fair of the valley. This fair is celebrated on Chait Purnima (According to Hindu calendar, full moon night in March or April, depending upon the position of planet system). On this occasion, tribals make a wish and encircle on a big pillar. The place where Meghnath is worshipped is predestined and it is said to be a holy place in the village. A dais is made on the base of 4 big Saal tree trunks. A thick trunk of Saal tree is also put near the Meghnath. This is known as Jheri. Oil, ghee and other oily substances are applied on the surface of the trunk. Coconut, Ghee and few coins are tied at the distal end of Jheri. Tribal men try to climb on the trunk and women stops them doing this. Men are beaten by a stick during the course. Whosoever climbs and plucks the tied stuff, he receives an award. If none succeeded, the award is generally given to the ladies those who stop men.

Madai: This festival is celebrated during Deepawali (Festival of lamps). The festival brings happiness among the tribals. Idols of their respective Gods and Goddesses are brought to a place. Tribals perform dance all throughout the day and night. Madai is generally the last festival in any year. They try to enjoy it as much as possible. 

Herbs in their life

Tribals in Patalkot are reliant upon the forest turn out. This valley is known as treasure of medicinal plants. Herbal healers known as Bhumkas are real knowledge bank. They utilize medicinal plants which are grown in the valley. Medicinal herbs and trees are part of tribal lives. Few important and highly effective medicinal plants of this valley includes: Addhajira (Chaff Tree), Bach(Sweet Flag), Adusa (Malabar nut), Ajgandha, Soorankand (Corm), Kalmegh (Andrographis), Narbod/ Satavar (Wild Asperagus), Kachnaar (Variegated mountain ebony), Punarnava (Spreading Hogweed), Shivlingi, Khatua (Sprout leaf plant), Van Karonda, Van kela, Maida Lakdi, Brahmi (Indian pennywort), Safed musli, Hadjori, Jangali Piyaz (Indian squill), Jaljamani, Sankhpusphi, Kalimusli, Kalihaldi, Baichandi (Wild Yam), Dudhi, Gular, Anantmul (Indian sarparilla), Chandrajot, Musakani, Ban Karela (Bitter gourd), Bach (Cowhage), Chitavar (Rove colour leadwort), Sarpagandha, Shitaab, Patharchata (Indian rockfoil), Bhilwa, Cheeval, Pithkarenti, Makoy (Black night shade), Sahdehi, Arjun (Arjuna), Baheda (Beleric-myrabolam), Harra (Myrabolam), Giloy/ Guduchi, Banda (Vanda/orchid), etc. 

Edibles and Beverages

It includes various types of delicacies. The ladies love to prepare Rotis (Chapatis) of Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Kodo, Wheat, Gram, Udad, Kulthi or Jhurjhuru flour. The flour is made in the homeitself. Few popular pulses they use are, Masur, Tuar, Chana, Moong, Kulthi and Tevda. Daliya is one of the favorite items they cook. Maize, Jowar and Wheat are mixed together and cooked to make Daliya. Tribals like to have Bhat (Rice) everyday but Kodo, Kulthi, Bhadli, Sama & Dodma are few alternatives for the same. Kaddu, Tumdi, Karela, Gataru, Rethu, Bhura, Bhata, Kacharia, Kunduru, Bathua, Chirota, Rajbhaji and Rirua are common vegetable prepared in tribal homes. Peja is a very important preparation in each tribal hut. Bhaat, Kodo, Kutki and Sama are mixed together and fermented for 3-4 days for preparing Peja. Buttermilk is also added for enhancing flavor. Peja can be a better probiotic me.

                                                  *** Source : District Olympic Association , Chhindwara ****
                                                                                        ***Last Update : 09/10//2009***