ગુજરાતના ટ્રાયબલ મેળા: પરંપરાની રંગીન ઉજવણી
These festivals represent rich cultural traditions from various indigenous communities in Gujarat, mainly celebrated by tribal groups like the Rathwa, Bhil, Garasia, and others. Here's a brief overview of the festivals you've mentioned:
1. ભાંગુરિયા (Bhānguriyā)
Month: March
Location: Kavant, Chhota Udepur, Vadodara
Description: A celebration by the Rathwa tribe before Holi, featuring vibrant dances and music with the community singing and dancing in colorful attire.
2. ઘેરનો મેળો (Gherno Mello)
Month: March
Location: Kavant, Chhota Udepur, Vadodara
Description: A post-Holi celebration by the Rathwa tribe on Dhulendi (the second day of Holi), marked by a large gathering where colors and joy are shared.
3. ચૂલનો મેળો (Chulno Mello)
Month: March
Location: Kavant, Chhota Udepur, Vadodara
Description: A unique ritual where people walk barefoot over fire, performed by the Rathwa tribe after Holi and Dhulendi.
4. ગોળ - ગધેડાનો મેળો (Gol-Ghadedano Mello)
Month: March
Location: Dahod, Dahod District
Description: A lively festival among the Bhil community where young men and women participate in this event to find potential life partners.
5. ગોળ-ઘોડીનો મેળો (Gol-Ghodino Mello)
Month: March
Location: Vanskui/Mahuva, Surat
Description: A gathering of various communities to buy clay utensils for religious purposes at a weekly market.
6. ચિત્ર - વિચિત્રનો મેળો (Chitra-Vichitro Mello)
Month: March (Post-Holi, within a fortnight)
Location: Gunbhakhri, Sabarkantha
Description: A large tribal fair where the Bhil and Garasia tribes participate in rituals to honor their ancestors, wearing colorful clothes and performing dances to drumbeats.
7. અખાત્રીજનો મેળો (Akhatrijno Mello)
Month: March
Location: Ambaji, Banaskantha
Description: Celebrated by the Bhil Garasia tribe, where women dance with grass wreaths on their heads, accompanied by men playing drums.
8. Kaliya Bhoot no Melo
Month: March
Location: Ambaji, Banaskantha
Description: A witchcraft dance festival celebrated by Bhil Garasia tribes, featuring handmade terracotta sculptures worshipped amidst dance and drumming.
9. ડાંગ દરબાર (Dang Darbar)
Month: March (Before Holi)
Location: Ahwa, Dang
Description: A traditional event dating back to the British era where tribal royalty and local leaders gather, celebrated with music and dance, reflecting the cultural heritage of the area.
10. દશેરાનો મેળો (Dushera Mello)
Month: October
Location: Chhota Udepur, Vadodara
Description: Celebrated by the Rathwa tribe, this event is marked by dance and music, with men and women adorned in colorful attire and jewelry.
11. નાગધરાનો મેળો (Nagdhara Mello)
Month: November
Location: Shamlaji, Sabarkantha
Description: A large gathering of Bhil and Garasia tribes, along with people from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, for prayers and rituals honoring the local deities.
These festivals are important in preserving the cultural identity and traditions of the tribal communities in Gujarat, combining vibrant rituals with social gatherings and spiritual reverence.