Culture of Dindori District is mainly influenced by the tribal traditions, as it is mostly inhabited by various tribal communities. Many folk dances are performed in Dindori District. The Baiga tribe and Gond tribe are considered to be fond of dances and music. For them music is a gift from God. Their dances are divided into two categories namely social and religious dances. The religious dances are performed to get blessings from God, to get rid of problems like flood and diseases.
In the religious dances there are Sua, Dussehra, Doha and Sumran whereas in the social dances Karma, Reena, Saila, Bilma, Jharpad and Tapadi are very popular among the tribes. Sua dance is performed widely on Goura Marriage in the month of October and November. The specialty of this dance is that only the female artists perform it. Dashera is the foremost dance of the Baiga tribe. This dance is performed during the festive season of Dussehra and Diwali.
Karma dance is a hereditary and social relevance dance. This dance is performed during Vijayadashmi towards the end of the year. Reena is a dance performed by the female artists only. This is a competitive dance among different villages during the festive season of Diwali. Saila dance is a male dominated dance. This dance is also a competitive dance like Reena. Bilma literally means `separation`. This dance is performed on the occasion of marriage.
Jharpat dance is performed while playing a game of asking and replying between two groups. Parghoni dance is performed at the time of marriage by a combined group of boys and girls. In this dance an effigy of an elephant is made which is used for dance purposes.
Traditional art and crafts also form an integral part of the culture of Dindori District. The art of Dindori District is predominately influenced by nature. People of this region mastered the skills in different artistic practices such as painting, sculpture and tattoo imprinting on body parts. The art of tattoo designing is prevalent in the area since time immemorial. Only women of the tribe get it designed on their body parts, believing that it would give them their identity in heaven. Thus, culture of Dindori District reflects the indigenous traditions, religious beliefs and lifestyle of the tribal people of the region.
