Bhojpuri region
Bhojpur region (Hindi: भोजपुरी क्षेत्र ; Urdu: بھوجپري علاقے) is an area encompassing parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in northern India and the west-central part of Nepal where Bhojpuri language is spoken as a native language. Ujjainiya Rajputs of the former Shahabad district of ancient Bihar established their headquarters in the town of Arrah, Bhojpur from where the whole region received its name.[1]
Language
Bhojpuri, a variant of Eastern Hindi is chiefly spoken in this region, along with Hindi or Urdu.
Culture
Culture of Bhojpuri region is a part of India's North-Central Culture Zone and is akin to rest of North India.[2] Bhojpuri region is one of the most ancient regions of North India and enjoys a rich heritage and culture, particularly because of its association with cities like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Gazzipur, Mirzapur, Sasaram, Rohtas etc. However, the economic and industrial growth of this region had been greatly hindered because of caste-guided political in-fighting and a huge population.[3]
Festivals
Among the major festivals celebrated are Chhath Puja, Diwali, Hori (Faguwa), Navraat, Dasahara, Ramnavami, Shivraat, Sekraat (Khichdi), Eid, Bakrid, Muharram, Bara din (Big day), Naya saal (New year) and many other festivals.
Traditional attire
Traditional dresses for men are Dhoti-Kurta or Kurta-Payjama with a headgear Indian turban (Pagri) and for women, it is Lehnga/Ghaghra choli (historical), often worn during regional folk dances, celebrations or wedding, however most of the women wear Saree or Kameez-Salwar and men prefer western dresses like Shirt, Pant, T-shirt and Denim etc. In urban regions, women especially girls prefer wearing western outfits, whereas in rural regions, women are supposed to be in ghoonghat by using a dupatta (odhani) or pallu (loose end of a saree).
During winters, both men and women cover their body with a Shaal and many warm clothes. Women cover their head and body with the shawl.
Ornament includes Anguthi (Ring) and Kada (a thick metallic bracelet) for men and for women, Anguthi (Ring), Mangteeka (worn over the parting line of hairs), Bangles, Chain (includes, Mangalsutra and Jiutiya), and Hansuli (a big and very thick metallic circular ring worn on neck by older women)
Folk songs
Kajri, Barahmasi, Chaumas, Chaiti, Hori (Phagua), Sawani, Chhath geet, Thumari, Kahrava, Birha, Kawwali, Alha, Nirgun, Kirtan, Jogia, Bhajan, Kavi sammelan, Musayara.
Folk dances
Nautanki, Kathak, Ramlila, Krishnalila, Bandar and Bhalu dance, Kaharwa dance, Dhobiya dance, Thumka, Kirtan dance, Ahirwa Dance etc.
Ethnic groups
Major ethnic groups include Kushwaha(Koeri), Kurmi, Yadav, Nishad, Kewat, Brahmin, Jatt, Rajput, Yadava, Ahir, Dusadh, Bhumihar, Pathan, Rajbhar and Teli.
Popular regional sports
Cuisine
Bhojpuri cuisine is a part of North Indian and Nepalese cuisine, is a style of food preparation common amongst the Bhojpuri people living in Bihar and Purvanchal. Generally Bhojpuri peoples enjoy eating both veg and non-veg dishes. Bhojpuri cuisine is heavily influenced by Mughlai and its neighbouring Awadhi cuisines.
Popular dishes include Litti Chokha, Mal pua during religious festivals and Dahi Chura.[4]
Districts
Bhojpuri language is spoken in the districts of Western Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh which is called Purvanchal and middle Terai region, (Pashchimanchal and Madhyamanchal, Purbanchal) of Nepal.
References
- ↑ Kolff, Dirk H.A. (2002). Naukar, Rajput, and sepoy : the ethnohistory of the military labour market in Hindustan, 1450-1850. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 160. ISBN 0521523052.
- ↑ "North Central Zonal Cultural Centre". Nczccindia.in. 2007-03-18. Retrieved 2015-07-17.
- ↑ Archived August 27, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "Litti (cuisine)".
External links
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Bhojpur (region). |