Tribal culture & tradition :

Many of the tribal traditions in the state are still vital and strong, although they have been exposed in varying degrees to outside cultural influences. A great deal tribal traditions, especially mythology and folklore, have been preserved , though they have been exposed to out side culture influences . The Pondwani and the Lachmanjati legends are the Gond equivalents of the Mahabharat and Ramayana.

The Bards of the Gond continue to sing of the legendary deeds of Lingo-pen, the mythical originator of the Gond tribe. All tribe retain myths and legends regarding their origins, and they have songs for the ceremonies of birth and marriage, together with folktales, riddles, and proverbs illustrating their culture heritage.

Gonds in Bastar remain perhaps the least in contact with the world outside due to the remoteness and ruggedness of the terrain. The institution of Ghotul at Abujmarh- a dormitory for the unmarried teenagers to live together, select their mate and gain valuable experience to set up their own household-has attracted considerable scholarly attention.

Similarly, the Bhagoriya festival at the time of Holi, the festival of colours, in the Jhabua region cannot be compared with any other celebration. Bhil youths indulge in colourful frolic excited by the prospects of meeting their future spouse. If some maiden strikes the prospective groom’s fancy, all he has to do is to offer a betel leaf to the girl. If she accepts, the two elope in the time honoured tradition to set up their house together.

The marriage can be solemnized subsequently. Incidentally the word bhagoriya may be literally translated as elopers.Tribal fares present a colourful spectacle of the whole community celebrating. Singing and Dancing are not confined to few people. As the tempo builds, the spectators join in spontaneously.
The tribal festivals in Jabua and Bastar in Chhattisgarh region are marked by carefree revelry, drinking bouts and exotic entertainment like cock-fighting, uninhibited dancing, etc. The casual visitors often fails to appreciated adequately the genuine and strong tradition of democracy in tribal society, the harmonious living with nature, the respected status accorded to women, the amicable sharing of the community resources.

Tribal crafts : Tribal crafts men are proud of their artistic heritage. They are particularly skilled in metal wares and fashioning aesthetically satisfying objects for every day life.

Tribal dances : Costumed in colourful apparel tribal dances carry songs which mirror the sociological, psychological and historical moorings.

Tribal Baazers  : Tribal presents the most colourful face of Central India. Haats, Weekly marts are occasion for a get together and revelry. Bengal sellers like this are familiar sight at the Haats. Giant Merry go round is a great crowd attraction.

             Culture of Madhya Pradesh is vibrant and colourful. It has been carved out by the ample contributions of tribal communities. The state has the privilege of having the highest rank in tribal population and people of the tribal community occupy around one-third part of the region. All the tribal and non-tribal communities have their own socio-cultural space. Madhya Pradesh is the home of numerous tribes, which also has resulted in amalgamating their own tradition. Three distinct tribes namely Gond tribe, Bhil tribe and Oraon tribe influence the culture of Madhya Pradesh. These tribal groups have their distinctive languages, art forms and festivities. Festivals like Bhagoriya, Madai, etc. are celebrated by the tribal groups. Dances like Sela, Kaksar, Gaur and Karma, etc are some of the dance forms enjoyed by the tribes.