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.
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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.
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.
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 |
Religion/God |
Hinduism & / Lord Siva |
Food |
Non-Vegetarian |
Occupation
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Articles made of materials like silver, brass, gold , cowries , ivory , animal bone and even plastic d�cor the wardrobes of fashionable urbanities.
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.
Languages
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
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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.