Quite a handful of tribal communities reside in every hook and corner of the state of Madhya Pradesh. In fact the eminent anthropologists have thronged the state in order to catch glimpse of their lifestyle, culture and tradition.
Amongst them, one can easily conclude that the Majhwar tribal community has always held a place of significance. Cultural exuberance of these Majhwar tribes are nicely being reflected in its treasure house of its music, dance, culinary delights, etc. Festival also forms an integral part of it. Karam, also known as Karma, is the festival, which a large section of these Majhi tribes celebrate with lots of enthusiasm and festivity. It used to be held in the month of Bhadra.
As far as language are concerned, maximum of these Majhwar tribal community carry on conversation in a beautiful language of the same name. There are quite a number of people who have identified it in different names like Majhvar, Manjhi, Manjhia,. It is assumed to be a dialect of Asuri.
Certain rituals are there associated with this festival. The center of the ritual comprises of the cutting of three branches of Karam tree, which these Majhwar tribes have installed in dancing ground, popularly called `akhara`. The branches are called the `Karam Raja`. . Karam is also associated with a variety of dances and folk songs. With the entry of the branches into the village, these Majhwar tribes engage in dancing and singing.
Immediately after installing these branches, these Karam dancers rotate round the branches throughout the night. The following morning the branches are decorated with garlands and the Karam legend are narrated. Flowers are then thrown over the branches and contributions of curd and rice are made. Red karan baskets full of grain are also kept before the branches and some barley seed are disseminated among the Majhwar boys and girls who place the yellow blades in their beautiful hair. Afterwards, the blessing of Karam Raja is then sought after and the branches are taken up and acquitted by women.
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