The tribals

Gonds and Bharias mainly constitute the population of Patalkot. It is said that Bharias have been living here for more than 500 years. Though there are almost 51 Gothras (lineage in the Hindu community)in Bharia tribes but only 16 Gothra have been traced in the valley. Tribals never allow their daughter to get marry in in same Gothras. Tribal men, women and children wear traditional dresses during their festive times and enjoy it. Chulki, Mundri, Binoria, Toda, Hasli, Kardona, Paijan, Mohanmala, Kushmala, Mungiamala, Markadhana mala and Patli are the common ornaments they show off at this time.

Gods and Goddesses

Tribals perform prayers and rituals everyday. The place where they perform Pooja (prayer) is called as Devghar. Tribals worship Mahadev, Badadev, Madai, Madmi Mai, Dhuladev, Nandia, Surjadev, Agiadev as their gods and goddesses.

Music instruments

Nagda, Timki, Shehnai, Chakule, Singa, Tambura, Chikara, Bansuri, Ghunghru, Khadtaal, Madar, Dhol, Dahak and Tudiya are the common instruments they play during various ceremonies and rituals.

Cultivation pattern

Bharia tribes perform Dahiya cultivation. In this method, soil is ploughed with a Khurpi. As the land is not plain, ladder shaped or canal shaped rifts are made on soil and seedlings are planted. Bharias believe that soil is their mother and they should not apply Bhakkhar (Ploughing instrument pulled by bullocks). As per them, Bakkhar hurts their motherland. Nari, Basula, Girma, Pans, Hasiya, Tapar, Khant, Por, etc. are the material goods required for the cultivation.

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