History
Banjaras are innumerable nomadic tribes found in
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal wandering from one place to another and
leading a life in its own terms and conditions. The banjara tribes are believed to be
descendants of the Roma gypsies of Europe who migrated through the rugged mountains of
Afghanistan, to settle down in the deserts of Rajasthan and many other states in India
2300 years ago. Banjara Tribe is very famous in whole India as they occupy most of the
states in India. Their way of living is quite thrilling and full of adventures. They
are known for their colourful costumes. Vibrant colours of cloths with lots of
accessories comes to our mind when we hear about Banjaras, the enthusiastic tribe of
India. |  |
Banjara Women's dressing is the most colourful and elaborate among the
other tribal communities in India. They are accustomed to wearing the costumes of
"ghaghra" and "choli"(a blouse). Ghaghra is a skirt made of red, black and white
cotton, embellished with pieces of mirrored glass that are embroidered on it.Banjara
women wear a full length skirt with borders embroidered in mustard and green thread.
They also wear pretty silver anklets. Silver, brass, gold, cowries, ivory, animal bone
and even plastic are used in making a Banjara wardrobe.
Culture
Banjaras worship Goddess of prosperity Lakhsmi. Hundreds of cowries that the Banjara
tribal women wear are much very auspicious as they represent Goddess Lakshmi. Andhra
Pradesh Banjara Tribe celebrate Holi. A variety of dance forms are performed during the
festival. Banjara tribes in Odisha are huge devotees of Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati.
Love and dedication flourishes to such extent that, they save money from their living
to visit the Tirupati Balaji Temple. Marriage is something to look forward for vibrant
tribe of Odisha. Liquor flows freely on the first day of the wedding when the
bridegroom and the relatives are welcomed at the `tanda` of the bride.
Banjaras give royal welcome to the groom`s family by offering betel
leaves and nut. On the day of marriage, boy and girl exchange seven round balls made of
rice, ghee and sugar as this is the special thing of a Banjara Wedding. Then the couple
hold hands and does seven rounds of grain pounding with pestles. Square silver ornament
bottu is tied round the neck of the bride. The grooms' family is given a good feast.
There is a band of material tied around the waist that strengthens a skirt or trousers.
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They believe that death is a universal phenomenon that all
living things have to die one day and they are aware of the fact. The death of old of
persons is taken good because their old transformed into new ones or they get
salvation. In their community premature death is not good as they occur due to
accident, murder, suicide, burning, etc. As the unnatural deaths are main reasons that
souls of person become malevolent spirits. The dead people become dissatisfied and
wander causing harm to pregnant women, children, brides and grooms according to their
beliefs. |
Occupation
The occupation of Banjars are gathering of
forest products and agriculture. These tribes are experts in traditional hand
embroidery with mirror works. Artwork of Banjara Tribes has got a good demand in the
market in the various states of India. Articles made of materials like silver, brass,
gold , cowries , ivory , animal bone and even plastic décor the wardrobes of
fashionable urbanities. |  |
Place /Location (then and now)
|
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil
Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha and West Bengal |
Population |
3 - 4 million |
Languages spoken |
Telugu, Urdu & Lamani |
Gods |
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Venkateshwara |
Food |
Non-Vegetarian |
Food
Food of Banjara is Bati which is Roti. Daliya is a dish cooked using
many cereals (wheat , jawar). Banjara people are very much fascinated and like non-
vegetarian food. Saloi (made from goat blood and other parts of goat) is non vegetarian
dish made especially by Banjara People. Banjaras prefer eating spicy food.
Language
Banjaras have different names such as Lamani, Lambadi, Bangala,
Banjori, Banjuri, Gohar-Herkeri, Goola, Gurmarti, Kora, Labhani Muka, Lambara, Lavani,
Lemadi, Lumadale, Sugali, Tanda, Vanjari, Waji, Gormati and Singali. They speak Lamani
language. Famous language spoken among the Banjaras like Urdu & Telugu. Kutni is
too popular amongst a section of Banjara tribes.
Festivals
 |
Ugadi is the most famous festival celebrated by Banjara tribes of
India. They also celebrate Holi and Dusshera and even they have some folk festivals
which they celebrate with great enthusiasm. They consider Lord Venkateshwara of
Tirupati as their family deity. Banjaras have a good habit to save a lot of money so
that they can go to Piligrimage to the temple of Lord of seven hills popularly known as
Balaji temple. |
Tribes in India | Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese
tribes | | Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa
tribe | | Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes |
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