Bhojpuri region

Bhojpur region (Hindi: भोजपुरी क्षेत्र ; Urdu: بھوجپري علاقے) is an area (northern part of India and west-central part of Nepal) where Bhojpuri language is spoken as a mother tongue. This region is spread within Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Nepal. Ujjainiya Rajputs of the erstwhile Shahabad district of ancient Bihar established their headquarters in the town of 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), 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 (the two most sung songs are "Kaach hi baas ke bahangia" and "Marabo re sugwa dhanukh se".), Thumari, Kahrava, Birha, Kawwali, Alha, Nirgun, Kirtan, Jogia, Bhajan, Kavi sammelan, Musayara etc. Bhojpurinama or www.bhojpurinama.com is one of the sites to listen, watch and enjoy bhojpuri films, bhojpuri songs and bhojpuri videos.

Folk Dances

Nautanki, Kathak, Ramlila, Krishnalila, Bandar and Bhalu dance, Kaharwa dance, Dhobiya dance, Thumka, Kirtan dance, Ahirwa Dance etc.

Education

Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups include Brahmin, Rajput, Yadava, Ahir, Dusadh, Bhumihar, Pathan, Teli and etc.

Popular Regional Sports

• Gilli-Danda
• Gudi Bazi
• Looka-Chhupi
• Cricket
• Kabaddi
• Kushti-Pahalwani

Cuisine

Bhojpuri cuisine is a part of North Indian 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.

Districts of Bhojpuri region

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