The heroic story of Veer Tejaji

The heroic story of Veer Tejaji 

1) When is this dance performed _

This dance is performed in the month of Bhadon. During the entire month of Bhadon, dances are also performed while singing with musical instruments. This heroic tale is organized in the form of a fair from Saptami of Bhadrapada Shukla to Dashami of Bhadrapada Shukla. On the day of the fair, "Bhopa" rides Tejaji, and also on the night of Chhatvi, "Bindodi" is taken out in the entire village and locality. In this Bindodi, Bhopa crawls like a snake along with the singing and dancing artists. And he goes from house to house drinking raw milk and has a burning "charank" in his hand which is waved in front of the main door of the house.

There is a belief in Sahariya tribe that this removes all the sorrows, problems and diseases from the house and also keeps snakes and scorpions from coming into the house. Only men live in Bidodi. It is also believed that Veer Tejaji has received this boon from the snake that "With my grace you will be worshiped in Kalyug and the people tortured by me (serpent) will be cured by you." It is also believed that if a person If you get bitten by a snake or scorpion, apply dust, ash, bani or fine soil in the name of Veer Tejaji on the bitten place so that its poison will not enter the body and it will be easier to reach the hospital or exorcist for treatment. On the day of Tejaji fair, "Bandh" is cut for the people tormented by snakes and scorpions by Veer Tejaji and Bhopa. The meaning is that if a person has been bitten by a snake or a scorpion and he has survived, then on a dirty day, "poison" automatically starts swinging in his body and he starts twitching, then Bhopa spear. He touches his body with his hand and makes a round circle and cuts his band. Not only this, in many fairs, Bhopa jumps into a river, well, pond or other water source, catches a black snake, puts it around his neck and comes out.  Tejaji singing and dancing is the famous singing and faith center of Sahariya tribe of Sheopur district.

 2.

How many people participate in the events – In the heroic tales of Veer Tejaji, the number of dancers and singers ranges from 15 to 20.

3. 

Costumes – Dhoti, Angarkha, turban, shoulder scarf, jewelry, anklets, etc., are worn. Ornaments like earrings, bracelets, and armlets are also part of the traditional attire.

4. Attire and Appearance** – On their heads, they wear a turban, a scarf, a cap, a headband, a dhoti, a kurta, and tie a waistband around their waist.

5. Who plays the musical instruments?** – Only male artists play the musical instruments.

6.Origin: _ In the literal sense, the word Sahariya is derived from the word Sahar which means to bear or tolerate, i.e. to tolerate the poignant ability to live life while living in the forests. There is no authentic information about the origin of Sahariya tribe, but the elders tell that our grandfathers and great grandfathers came from the village to teach or lived in the forest at a certain place. Sahariya tribe has been mainly a forest dweller. Their origin dates back to the period before Ramayana. Even today, in the forest of Sheopur district, at a village called "Phulda", identification marks like big holes, caves, etc. are found on the old stone walls, pictures of animals on the rocks and on other walls. Sahariya tribe is called forest dweller brave in many places because they reside in the forests. This tribe is mainly found in Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Morena, Datia, Bara (Rajasthan), Bhind, Gwalior.

Ramjeelal Sahariya  

Village Sambadi, Post Office Awrad, Tehsil Karahal  

District Shivpuri M.P.  

Mobile No.: 8889263833