Tribals from the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh recently celebrated the Johar Bhetni festival. It is a regional festival that sees the coming together of every individual - be it young, old, male, female - everyone is invited and takes part in its organisation.
The Johar Bhetni festival is preceded by another major event of the tribals called the 'Naya Khana' by a week to 10 days. The Naya khana marks the harvesting of the new crop of the season and is offered first to the deity and then to the villagers.
Organised by the Vishwakarma community, the Johar Bhetni is an occasion for the tribals of Chhattisgarh to come together, seeks blessings of elders, give blessings to young ones and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
Also see: Keeping Culture Alive: The Baiga Adivasis of Chhattisgarh
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