An Indian wedding is often synonymous with a grand festival, marked by meticulous planning, elaborate decoration, and sumptuous food. It also involves a significant financial expenditure by the families involved. However, in Madhya Pradesh, a unique tradition among the Bhil tribe provides an unconventional means of gathering funds for wedding expenses.
Particularly in districts such as Jhabua, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Alirajpur, and other parts of the country, the Bhil tribe organises an event known as Notra. During this ceremony, guests contribute financially to the wedding expenses, and in turn, the hosting family reciprocates by assisting other families in funding their weddings. This reciprocal practice fosters a sense of community support and social cohesion within the tribal society.
Professor Mahesh Shukla, the president of the Madhyanchal Sociological Society, highlights that such traditions contribute to the strong social fabric of tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. The family hosting the Notra decides the scope of the event, whether it involves only extended family members or encompasses the entire village.
Notably, the Notra is a well-organised traditional system, with the person extending invitations known as the ‘teda.’ Invitations are conveyed through the presentation of yellow rice for weddings and red rice for other related events. The marriage ritual, known as ‘sajha,’ takes place within a handmade wood tent called a ‘daagla,’ where the entire community collaborates to prepare the wedding feast. Each invited family contributes by bringing their vessels and ingredients for the communal feast.
A resident from Anandpuri, Rajasthan, emphasizes that wedding expenses can vary widely among families. For instance, a labourer might manage all arrangements within Rs 50,000, while another individual from the same community and village might raise Rs 2 lakh for the celebration.
In a notable example, Kamleshwar Dodiyar, a recently elected MLA from Sailana, utilised the Notra tradition to raise funds for his wedding due to his financially constrained background. Reportedly, he successfully collected 2.38 lakh with the support of 500 people, showcasing the enduring significance of this unique cultural practice in addressing economic challenges within the community.