Bhagoria Festival to Be Celebrated as a State-Level Event: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that Bhagoria is a festival of joy, a moment to pause and immerse in the colors of spring. The government will ensure that the enthusiasm of Bhagoria remains intact. From this year onwards, Bhagoria will be celebrated as a state-level festival, and the Chief Minister himself will participate in the festivities.

The government will provide assistance for the development of worship sites dedicated to tribal deities in smaller locations. Additionally, the Koraku Festival will also be celebrated. All upcoming festivals of the tribal community will be officially recognized and celebrated by the state government. Dr. Yadav made these significant announcements at the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav held at the Chief Minister’s residence on Tuesday.

Dr. Yadav emphasized that the tribal community is a matter of pride for the state. Tribal heroes made immense sacrifices in the freedom struggle, never bowing before anyone. The government is committed to preserving the indigenous heritage of the tribal community, including their unique religious practices, customs, and traditions. Every necessary step will be taken to safeguard these cultural elements.

The event commenced with the Bada Dev Poojan (Grand God Worship) and lamp-lighting ceremony, following tribal traditions. The Chief Minister, along with the gathered tribal brothers and sisters, raised the slogans “Jai Bada Dev” and “Jai Johar.” Upon his arrival, tribal artists welcomed Dr. Yadav with traditional dance performances, accompanied by folk instruments such as mandal drums. In return, Dr. Yadav showered flowers upon the attendees as a gesture of warm hospitality.

Dr. Yadav highlighted that the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav is an occasion to honor tribal religious leaders. The Ojha, Patel, Pujara, Tadvi, Bhagat, Bhumka, Panda, and other spiritual heads who uphold tribal traditions will always be respected by the government. He praised the deep-rooted cultural unity within the tribal community, noting that their language reflects love and their worship expresses reverence for nature.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by tribal heroes in protecting water, forests, land, and dignity. Iconic figures such as Tantya Mama, Rani Durgavati, Amar Shaheed Raghunath Shah, and Kunwar Shankar Shah are symbols of this proud heritage. The Chief Minister urged tribal communities to preserve their rich traditions, assuring them of government support.

Recognizing the dedication of tribal dancers and musicians, the government announced financial incentives Rs 5,000 for every tribal dancer and musician, Rs 3,000 for all PESA Gram Panchayats for the conservation of tribal shrines, deities, and worship sites. During the event, the Chief Minister distributed cheques to the recipients on stage, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tribal welfare.

Dr. Yadav emphasized that the PESA Act has further empowered tribal communities by granting them more rights. The responsibility of implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (Water Life Mission) has been given to Tribal Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey. Additionally, Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah has been appointed as the senior minister responsible for overseeing overall tribal welfare. Over 2.5 lakh forest rights certificates have been issued to tribal families, securing their land rights. The government will extend the Narmada River’s water supply to all tribal regions. Farmers will receive permanent electricity connections for just Rs 5, starting with the Central Region Power Distribution Company and later expanding statewide. Solar pumps will be provided to all farmers within three years, allowing them to generate their own electricity for irrigation. Surplus electricity generated by farmers will be purchased by the government. Wheat farmers will receive Rs 2,600 per quintal, and paddy farmers will be given Rs 4,000 per hectare as an incentive for Kharif 2024-2025.

To promote dairy farming, the government has decided to Provide Rs 5 per liter bonus to farmers producing milk. Procure milk directly from farmers through the Cooperative Department. Additionally, the government is committed to ensuring every eligible citizen receives a permanent home under the PM Awas Yojana, Electricity, clean drinking water, and free ration for all, and Improved transport in remote tribal areas through government-run buses to resolve commuting issues permanently.

Dr. Yadav acknowledged that tribal communities play a key role in protecting forests. The government will seek greater tribal involvement in forest conservation, and provide economic benefits from forest produce to tribal communities. At the event, the Chief Minister interacted with representatives from tribal groups including Bhil, Bhilala, Patel, Panika, Gond, Koraku, Mawasi, Pardhan, Kol, Oraon, Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya. He extended his best wishes for the festival and upcoming Holi celebrations.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey praised the government’s commitment to tribal welfare, stating that Devalok Mahotsav will serve as a milestone in preserving tribal heritage. He emphasized the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in advancing the development of tribal communities.

State Minister for Tribal Affairs Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah reiterated that development is only possible through collective participation. He described the event as a social gathering that strengthens unity among tribal communities.

Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey acknowledged the government’s respect for tribal religious traditions and customs, emphasizing its commitment to protecting water, forests, and land. The government has also built memorials honoring tribal heroes and continues to work for the growth of tribal culture and values.

Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare Nagar Singh Chauhan noted that for the first time ever, tribal communities have been given such honor at the Chief Minister’s residence. The state government is actively working on tribal development through various welfare schemes, including the eradication of sickle cell anemia.

At the event, more than 16,000 tribal religious leaders from across the state participated, selected through village councils (gram sabhas). The government distributed information kits to these leaders, enabling them to spread awareness about government welfare schemes in their communities. This initiative will also help in raising awareness about sickle cell anemia prevention.

Several tribal spiritual leaders, including Manoj Patel, Sur Singh Meena, and Brij Gopi, addressed the gathering. They unanimously praised the government’s initiatives to protect tribal culture, temples, and traditions. They assured full support from the tribal community in preserving this heritage.

Dignitaries Present at the Event

The event was attended by Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Smt. Radha Singh, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Principal Secretary for Tribal Affairs Shri Gulshan Bamra, Tribal Development Commissioner Shri Shriman Shukla, and a Large number of tribal community members from remote areas across the state.