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My Three Days with the People of Jhabua: A Journey into Art, Tradition, and Warmth

Idols of the Bhil deity, Baba Pithora

The past few months have been a whirlwind of truly authentic experiences, with one event, in particular, changing everything for me—a spontaneous trip to Jhabua.

This was also my first solo journey, and if you’re wondering why I chose Jhabua, I promise you’ll get the answer to this by the end of this blog.

I'll also take this opportunity to apologize for my absence to the select few who genuinely check up on my website for some new reads regularly. Thank you for your patience and for waiting while I gathered stories worth sharing—I’ll strive to be more consistent from here on.

For now, I hope you enjoy this journey through my time in Jhabua and the incredible people who made it unforgettable.

Nestled amidst the vibrant landscape of Madhya Pradesh lies Jhabua, a district celebrated for its unique heritage and the heartwarming hospitality of its people, predominantly the Bhil tribe. My recent three-day tour here not only allowed me to explore their distinctive way of life but also revealed a rare tapestry of tradition, art, and humanity. 


Day 1: Shivganga Ashram and the Quaint Villages of Alirajpur

My journey began at Shivganga Ashram in Meghnagar, where I discovered an incredible initiative that nurtures young minds to shape a brighter future for the Bhil community. 

At the Shivganga ashram in Meghnagar, young kids are trained in bamboo crafting (know more at, Jhabua Crafts), creating artifacts to reduce the pressure of migration on their families. It’s an impressive effort to make a local, sustainable impact and ensure these youth carry forward the legacy of their tribe with pride and financial independence.

Shivganga Ashram, Meghnagar 

From Meghnagar, I journeyed onward to Alirajpur, a neighboring district that was once part of Jhabua. In the villages of Chota Bahata and Bhidant, I was welcomed into the vibrant traditions of the Bhils and Bhilalas. Visiting the tribal homes, I witnessed the Bharedi murals—delicate, ritualistic artworks created during wedding celebrations—and the lively Pithora paintings, dedicated to Baba Pithora, the tribal deity, as a gesture of gratitude for a fruitful harvest. These art forms are not mere decoration; they are sacred expressions of culture, painted with deep reverence and intention.

Throughout my journey, a devoted Shivganga volunteer accompanied me, enriching my experience by sharing fascinating stories about the local tribes, their rituals, and traditions. Along the way, we enjoyed freshly picked custard apples and peanuts from the fields, making the experience even more memorable. P.S.: I can’t help but highlight the wonderful people of Jhabua, whose warmth and hospitality made a stranger like me feel truly at home.


Day 2: A Day in Jhabua’s Villages

The second day was devoted to soaking in the everyday rhythms of Jhabua’s rural life. Walking through village paths, I witnessed seasonal harvesting, which is both a livelihood and a celebration for these people. As the sun set, I found myself welcomed into a tribal home for the night. Here, surrounded by new friends, I got a taste of farm-fresh peanuts, custard apples, and other seasonal produce. These warm, organic meals felt like they were crafted with care, each bite revealing Jhabua’s connection to the earth.

Farm Fresh Custard Apples 

Stories flowed into the night. Our conversations uncovered the joys and challenges of life in Jhabua, providing a view of rural existence often invisible to the outside world. From farming cycles to traditional practices, every aspect of their lives reflects a strong bond with the land they inhabit. Also Govind Bhaiya I'll make sure I visit your home frequently every time I'm in Jhabua for the absolute warmth and love your parents offered to me :)


Day 3: Learning from Shivganga’s Principles


You can know more about the Shivganga organization here! 



On the final day, I returned to Shivganga's Ashram in Dharampuri to delve into their vision for the Bhil community. Shivganga operates on 17 guiding principles that touch upon essential aspects of life, from environmental stewardship to community empowerment. Their holistic approach resonated with me, as it emphasized not just survival but the enrichment of life for the Bhils. This is not merely an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to sustaining the identity and autonomy of the Bhil people.


Reflections and Goodbyes

In these three short days, Jhabua’s people welcomed me as one of their own, offering boundless warmth, humor, and wisdom. I left with a newfound appreciation for the resilience and beauty that infuse the Bhil life. This journey has etched a special place in my heart, and I’m already planning my next visit, eager to reconnect with the friends I made and dive deeper into Jhabua’s soulful simplicity.

My heartfelt gratitude to the Shivganga organization for arranging this unforgettable visit, and to Mahesh Ji for sharing such profound insights into the culture and traditions of the Bhil community. Your perspective gave me the much-needed reality check to truly grasp the difference between perception and reality.

Until next time my dear readers— Love Love :)


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Comments

  1. Anonymous11 January 2025 at 09:10

    Really commendable work and worth emitating in whole country.

    ReplyDelete

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