Madhya Pradesh is the heart of India in every sense. Gracing the central part of the Indian landmass it is also one of the largest states in India with very interesting and vibrant cultural and heritage colors. The fine and intricate erotic carvings at the temple of Khajuraho have been a center of tourist interest for ages now. The green cover of this central state will definitely pique your interest especially if you are a nature lover, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Park should be a must-visit. Being one of the greenest states of India, the weather conditions that prevail here are pretty solid. This means that if you wish to plan a holiday to Madhya Pradesh you need to be very specific and careful about the month of travel.

Here is the best time to visit Madhya Pradesh

Summer in Madhya Pradesh

April to June is the summer months in Madhya Pradesh. Occupying the central part of the subcontinent, the region receives direct and scorching sun rays throughout the season. This means that summer is not the best time to visit MP as the temperature soars to an unbearable level ranging from 25 to 45 degrees Celsius. Sightseeing and visit to different places remain nearly impossible due to the extreme heat, however, there are still some hill stations in MP that offer some much-needed respite from the unbearable weather. Visiting hill stations like Panchmarchi and Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary would be a good way to escape from the dreaded central Indian summer heat. Not all is bad during the summer season in Madhya Pradesh; it is a good time to check out the interesting and flourishing flora and fauna here.

Monsoon in Madhya Pradesh

July and September are the peak monsoon season in Madhya Pradesh. Each year MP experiences moderate to heavy lashes of rainfall during these months. The weather continues to stay hot, humid, and wet all through the region. Overall the temperature continues to be hot but it does experience some falls which could go as low as 24 degrees Celsius with the humidity levels ranging between 50 to 80% every day. This makes the climate very humid, sweaty, and uncomfortable to experience. Not to mention the frequent flooding situations which mean that the national parks and the wildlife sanctuaries remain shut for this season. However, if you happen to be there during the monsoon months, you will get to see MP in its full glory. The rain washes away the scorching heat and makes way for settling down the dust and clearing out the air.  The lush greenery, dense forest cover, and natural green beauty of MP are amplified tenfold during these months. You can carefully head out to places like Chitrakoot, Satpura, Kanha, and Mandu.

Winter in Madhya Pradesh

The central location of MP doesn’t allow the winter season to be extremely and unbearably cold when compared to the other northern or northeastern parts of India. The months of October to March and even the beginning of April marks the winter season in MP. The days are pleasant and very refreshing with the temperature ranging between 20 to 27 degrees Celsius which means it is a very comfortable time to be visiting MP. The nights could get chilly with the temperature dropping to below 5 degrees Celsius sometimes. This has to be the best time to visit Madhya Pradesh and explore places like Bhopal, Indore, and Gwalior which are the heritage and cultural capital of India. You Can also check out some of the must-visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Going on river rafting or hot air balloon rides is an experience you must have.

Best time to visit Madhya Pradesh

It goes without saying that the winter season is the best time to plan a visit to Madhya Pradesh. Reason being that the temperature during these months is extremely comfortable and the right time to travel and explore. The weather conditions in MP remain extremely dynamic and susceptible to changes throughout the year. While some areas can be visited during the summertime and others could be visited during monsoon time, the best time to visit would be during the winter months of October to March or early April. These are also the best months to go out exploring, check out awesome tourist attractions, and even indulge in fun adventure activities like camping, trekking, and even paragliding.

While traveling to MP it is extremely important to keep in mind the weather conditions and check the forecast every day before heading out.

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Madhya Pradesh is the Heart of India. This is not only because of its location on the landmass but because of its incredible diversity, rich heritage, and thriving culture that continues to thrill travellers from all over the world. From the moment you set foot into the state, you will be greeted with indigenous tribes and customs that have been practiced in these parts since ancient times.

Did you know that the ancient tribal communities occupy around 1/3rd part of the entire state? This goes on to show the incredibly diverse range of life that has been thriving there since ages. It in fact ranks among the top for being home to the most number of tribal communities. Due to this reason, the culture, heritage, and traditions of MP are extremely colorful and varied.

Let’s take a look at this wonderful age-old culture of Madhya Pradesh:

Arts and Crafts of Madhya Pradesh

One of the most recurring themes that you will encounter in Madhya Pradesh is the combination of tribal art with other modern illustrations. There is no dearth of arts and crafts you can find in MP. Apart from the temples and tourist sightseeing places, tourists and travellers will be baffled to see the varied, colorful, and unique arts and crafts here. The artistic brilliance here is so unique that you will have a tough time in deciding what to take from here. The art works mainly include bamboo and cane carvings. Folk paintings, jute works, iron craftworks, terracotta figurines, and many more! You will literally be spoiled for choices. For the ladies who love to drape in sarees, this place offers impeccable Chanderi silk sarees that are not produced anywhere else in the world.

Culture in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh encapsulates the spirit of the entire Indian nation in one and gives a tiny glimpse into what India truly is. The various blends of people who live here have absorbed into their culture and traditions. Apart from the tribal communities that live here, as mentioned already, people from varied backgrounds like Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, and sikhs thrive in complete harmony as well. Music and dance forms have hugely impacted the idea of culture and traditions in this place. As a part of the culture the musical identities are divided all over the region. For example, Leha songs are extremely popular in the Jabalpur region of MP, Dhakul and Chait Parah are two other popular folk songs that depict life and times in MP. When it comes to dance culture, just like music, they are specified to certain regions.

Customs and Traditions in Madhya Pradesh

The customs and traditions in MP are not specified to one belief; it varies quite a bit from the rest of the states in India. The tribal communities also have their own set of traditions and customs that varies greatly from the rest of India. For example, Ghotul is a tradition that is followed by the young, unmarried boys and girls of the muria tribe. According to this tradition, all the boys and girls gather together in a common meeting ground and learn about moral values, good conduct, and discipline. It is not taught in a traditional manner. Rather it is taught in a fun and games style. That’s about the tribes of MP. However, people living in big cities and towns who follow their religion perform marriage ceremonies or any other festival according to their own traditions without any problem.

Cuisines in Madhya Pradesh

The food in India is absolutely delicious no matter where you decide to go and explore. Just like the rest of Indian states, MP also has numerous types of cuisines and even desserts. The staples here are wheat, Jowar, and maize. Arhar dal or some other type of dal is also a major part of a normal everyday meal in the regular households here. Cashew Barfi, Jalebi, and Kulfi are a couple of most popular desserts or sweet dishes people normally prefer gorging on. Traditional meals also contain some fresh seasonal fruit or another like custard apple, watermelon, papaya, and mango among others. In the southern end of the state due to the presence of wetlands, people prefer gorging on fish and seafood as well. Pilaf and kebabs are also specialties in these parts.

Religion and Language in Madhya Pradesh

The people of Madhya Pradesh represent the pleasant amalgamation of various cultures and belief systems becoming one. Every step of the way you will be greeted with one unique culture or the other including Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and Buddhism among others. The people living in the Narmada valley are believed to be of Aryan race and along with the Hindus they are two of the most important religions in India.

Hindi is the main population of MP along with other primary languages like Bundelkhand, Chhattisgarhi, and Malvi. These languages are spoken all over the state and draw somewhat a similar root dialect. Urdu, Marathi, Sindhi, and Gujarati are a couple of other common languages spoken here.

Traditional Dresses of Madhya Pradesh

Every state has their unique and one of a kind foods, desserts and culture. In the same way, the traditional dresses of MP are also unique for men and women. Dhoti and Safa are two of the most common traditional elements in the clothing style of local men here. In fact, they are more than just a clothing piece, they are in fact a sign of pride and honor. Traditional men in the Bundelkhand region also wear a black or white jacket as well.

The traditional clothing for women here is Lehenga and Choli. Odhni, which is a type of a headscarf for women but is also an essential part of their clothing. Women can be seen wearing black and red-colored clothes as well. Bandhani is a type of Saree that has gained worldwide popularity. Colorful patterns and designs are mostly dyed in using different methods. Women here also wear Chanderi and Maheshwari style of Saree which even the tourists cannot stop themselves from buying.

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Whether it’s to take souvenirs for loved ones back home or to buy a traditional piece of artwork to decorate your house, or the handloom to jazz up your wardrobe, shopping is an essential part of travel. On top of that, shopping in Madhya Pradesh becomes an even bigger deal. With its rich cultural heritage with stunning traditional paintings, handicrafts or handloom pieces of Madhya Pradesh, there is so much to shop for, in the “heart of India”! There is something unique being made in every other corner of this state and hence, one can never truly get enough of shopping in Madhya Pradesh! But for starters, here is a list of things one must keep an eye out for on that next Madhya Pradesh vacation!

Maheshwari Sarees

Maheshwari sarees are evergreen sarees that originate from the Maheshwar town of Madhya Pradesh. Almost all families in this town were traditionally handloom weavers – and most of them still are! One can go hinting for these beautiful cotton or silk sarees in the narrow lanes of Maheshwar to get an unmatchable price. To level up the oomph factor on your saree, choose to go for some zari – or golden thread – work.

Chanderi Sarees

Chanderi sarees are Characterised by their peacock, floral or geometrical motifs, intricately woven into a silk or cotton fabric. Chanderi sarees are some of the most exquisite sarees of India that belong to the Chanderi town. The Malwa and Bundelkhand regions are known for this handloom craft and it would be criminal to not go hunting for Chanderi sarees while shopping in Madhya Pradesh!

Batik Fabric

The Batik is a form of art that can be seen as paintings, or even as fabric prints. The process of Batik artwork first involves the waxing of the fabric which is being painted upon. Once the dyeing and painting are done beautifully by hand, the fabric is de-waxed to uncover the contrasting colours in the patterns. Though originally from Indonesia, Batik has made its mark in Indian culture for many centuries now – especially in Madhya Pradesh. Behrugarh is best known for Batik shopping in Madhya Pradesh.

Bandhani Sarees

Bandhani is an Indian form of tie-dying which is done in intricate patterns. The primary colours used for Bandhani fabrics are yellow, green, red, blue, and black – and are a popular item to buy from Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Bandhej, this is a common fabric worn for everyday use. Amarwara town in the Chhindwara district is also known as the “Bandhani Village” and is the go-to place for Bandhani shopping in Madhya Pradesh.

Thappa and Thussa Jewellery

The Thappa and Thussa Jewellery are the traditional jewellery of Madhya Pradesh. Thappa literally means “to stomp” and during this process, paper-thin sheets of gold mixed with other metals like copper are embossed with floral and geometrical patterns. On the other hand, Thussa is the art of braiding strands of gold together to make beautiful neckpieces, bracelets and other jewellery. The Thappa and Thussa Jewellery are most popular in Bhopal, and one can look in the Jama Masjid area for some authentic artwork!

Gond Paintings

The Gond are a tribal people of Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states which are famous for their Gond paintings. The Gond artwork draws heavily from humanity’s relationship with nature and features “on line work” which is used to give a sense of movement to still, 2D images. The paintings also use strikingly bright colours and depiction of myths and legends. Original Gond artwork can be shopped from the Patangarh Village in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh.

Dhurrie

Dhurries or daris are hand-woven rugs found in most parts of India. But Madhya Pradesh is known for its sturdy dhurries featuring vivid colours. These are traditionally hand-woven by pit looms and made in cotton or sheep wool. In the dhurries of Madhya Pradesh, the sun motif plays an important role and can be featured in bright hues of yellow, or sunflower prints, etc. For the best deals in Madhya Pradesh dhurries, head to rural villages of Jabalpur, Raigarh, Sironj and Jhabua districts!

Lacquerware

Wooden lacquerware is a traditional craft in the Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. The process of this artwork includes using soft woods like dudhi, salaiya and haldu are moulded into desired shapes using a traditional lathe. They are then coated in a layer of lac, before being ready to be sold. Sheopur district is known for its lacquerware ranging from home décor to utilitarian objects.

Bhopali Batua

“Bhopali Batua” are string pouches or potlis embroidered with intricate zardozi work. The pouches are made of a heavy fabric like silk and also feature gold threads and even precious stones! Of course, Bhopal is the place to go shopping for some batuas. But even in Bhopal, the Parekh Brothers shop is 185 years old and is an 11th generation business of this traditional purse of Madhya Pradesh that should definitely be checked out!

Bagh Print Fabric

The Bagh Print is one of Madhya Pradesh’s most popular fabric print. It is printed with wooden blocks using a vegetable dye. This print mostly features paisley, geometric, or floral artwork. The most common and traditional colour combination for Bagh Print is red and black over white, but in contemporary days many other colours have also come up. This artwork originates in the Bagh village of Dhar district and a visit there is a must for Bagh Print shopping in Madhya Pradesh!

Pithora Paintings

Pithora art is practised by the Aadharkaanch, Bhilala and Rathwa tribes of central Madhya Pradesh. This artwork is ritualistic and traditionally made on walls. It is believed that having these painting in the home bring prosperity and peace. These paintings were made as thanks to God when a wish was granted. The Pithora art can now be bought as paintings, or even embroidered over cushions, sheets etc. Dehrikheda village of Alirajpur district is the best place to buy some!

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The beauty of the Indian subcontinent is in its rich cultural diversity. With every turn you take here, the language, food, music etc. changes, and so do the people. And the biggest way of defining a people is through the clothes they wear, and this is no exception in the traditional dress of Madhya Pradesh as well. The “heart of India” has so much diversity within itself – people belonging to at least four different religions call Madhya Pradesh their home, and with a population of 46 tribes, this state is cultural diversity at its best. Each of these groups of people have different kinds of clothes they wear depending on their religion, the region of their residence, their profession etc. Let us have a look at some of the many traditional dresses of Madhya Pradesh!

Lehenga – Choli with Odhni/ Lugra

The lehenga – also called the Ghagra and the choli is a traditional dress of India worn by many women in many parts of India. States like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar etc. called Ghagra choli the traditional dress of women, and Madhya Pradesh too. The Ghagra is a long skirt and the choli is a blouse. This set is traditionally worn with an Odhni, also known as the Lugra which is a dupatta worn with Ghagra choli. There are several ways to wear an Odhni. These may include tucking one end to the Ghagra, while taking the rest of it diagonally across the body to let it fall off the shoulder or take it over the head. This dress can be widely seen across Madhya Pradesh.

Bandhani / Bandhej Saree

Bandhani or Bandhej is a kind of tie and dye technique done on textiles for the traditional dresses of Madhya Pradesh. Originally, Bandhani textiles were majorly worn as sarees but in contemporary times, Bandhani salwar kameez are quite popular too. This ancient technique of colouring textiles dates to as old as 4,000 BC during the Indus Valley civilization. There are a number of designs that fall under the Bandhani technique and require a different way of tying up the fabric. These include shikari, Ekdali, mothra etc. Traditionally, only natural colours were used in Bandhani sarees including red, blue, green, black, and yellow. Regardless of the colour or design, each Bandhani Saree is equally beautiful!

Maheshwari Saree

Maheshwari sarees are yet another traditional dress of the women of Madhya Pradesh. These are made of either cotton or silk, depending on which season they are being worn. The origin of these sarees goes to the town of Maheshwar in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. These sarees are often laced with Zari or golden thread work for special occasions. Another important feature of this fabric is the application of wax to make the fabric stiff and rich, also making it easier to weave. The popularity of these sarees rose under the rule of one of the very few female rulers of the Maratha Empire called Queen Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar. Traditionally, Maheshwari sarees were royal clothing worn by members of the court or gifted to royal women. But now, they have become more popular and accessible and can be found anywhere in Madhya Pradesh.

Chanderi Saree

The Chanderi saree is yet another kind of saree that is made in cotton and silk. This saree owes its origin to the Chanderi town in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi is largely a weaver’s town and the weaving practices here date back between the 2nd and 7th centuries. But it was in the 13th century when the weaving of Chanderi sarees began. Chanderi weavers were originally Muslim, and most still are. This traditional dress of Madhya Pradesh finds itself at the boundary of the Bundelkhand and Malwa regions and the trade between the two regions, especially in the Mughal era helped boost the popularity of the Chanderi sarees. These sarees are considered to be some of India’s best and often boast of intricate embroidery with peacock, floral, geometric motifs amongst others. The Chanderi sarees were another attire preferred by the royal women of Madhya Pradesh.

Kathir Ornaments

No women’s traditional attire is truly complete without the mention of Jewellery and ornaments. In Madhya Pradesh, women wear silver and Kathir Jewellery. These ornaments are especially important in the traditional tribal attire of Madhya Pradesh. The Jewellery worn by the women in the state include bangles which are largely made by lac, necklaces, and bracelets. Pajeb is yet another ornament which is very widely worn. It is a kind of an anklet with little bells which make a sweet sound while walking.

Dhoti with Saluka

The traditional dress of the men in Madhya Pradesh is the dhoti, which is also worn by the men of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar etc. The dhotis are traditionally white in colour and made of pure cotton for ease of movement and to keep the men cool in the scorching summer months. With the dhotis, the men wear salukas which are short-sleeved, light coloured cotton shirts that go down till the waist and have no collars.

Mirzai and Bandi

During the winter months, the men of Madhya Pradesh wear jackets called the Mirzai and Bandi, depending on which region they belong to. Both these kinds of jackets are usually black or white in colour. These jackets are especially found in the Bundelkhand and Malwa regions. The Mirzai or Mirjai jackets are a kind of long, flowy robe which is also known as Jama. These are typically under jackets which have a fastening on the right side. A Mirjai typically has open cuffs and long, loose sleeves. These are also worn by the men of Bihar. The bandi or bandia on the other hand is a type of Angarkha which is the traditional upper garment worn by men. The bandi usually ends above the waist and has a fastening either on the shoulders or on the chest. The bandi typically has narrow sleeves with long arms and may have various prints on it, depending on the region.

Chanderi Pagdi (Safa)

To complete their traditional attires, the men of Madhya Pradesh wear the Safa or Chanderi Pagdi on their heads, which is a kind of turban made of bright colours. Such turbans can also be seen donned by men of Rajasthan, Gujarat etc. The prints and the designs on these pagdis depend on region to region, but the Bandhani or Bandhej Pagdi of Madhya Pradesh is quite popular. Although the tribal men of Madhya Pradesh wear the Chanderi Pagdi, another kind of turban was used in the royal families, especially during the Maratha Empire.

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Madhya Pradesh has a long-drawn history of religious sites, rulers, their monuments, etc. Every nook and cranny of this “heart of Incredible India” can be seen bustling with this temple or that mosque, sharing space with forts, stepwells, memorial monuments, and the likes. But this deep-rooted historical importance of the state has also formed yet another mesmerizing cultural aspect that not many outsiders know about. The festivals of Madhya Pradesh go far and wide in number. Whether it is a musical gathering, a tribal harvest festival or a religious affair – different parts of Madhya Pradesh can be seen lit up, hosting a boisterous amount of people every year.

01. Lokrang Festival

Madhya Pradesh has a significant tribal population and is home to 46 tribes. To celebrate this rich tribal presence in the state, the Lokrang Festival is celebrated. This annual festival takes place in Bhopal city and is organized by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy. This four-day-long festival takes place in January and folk musicians and dancers from these tribal communities perform on the stage. There is food and handicrafts stall of different tribes set up for the visitors as well.

02. Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh

The Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh is an annual event that takes place in the city of Ujjain. This fair celebrates Sanskrit poets and writers like Kalidas and Vatsyayana, as well as Hindi literary giants like Pandit Surya Narayan Vyas and Shivmangal Singh Suman. This event is a platform to indulge in poetry, theatre and music. This festival was first inaugurated in 1958 by India’s first president, Dr Rajendra Prasad. and takes place in the months of November and December every year.

03. Lokranjan or Khajuraho Festival

Organized by the Lok Kala Academy, the Lokranjan Festival is also fondly known as the Khajuraho Dance Festival. It takes place in Khajuraho every year from 8th to 12th December. This five-day-long festival sees folk dance artists from all over the country, performing and sharing one stage. This festival vibrantly displays the many folk and tribal dances of India.

04. Bhagoria Haat Festival

The Bhagoria Festival is one of Madhya Pradesh’s most widely celebrated festivals. It has a special importance in the regions of Jhabua, Badwani, Khargone and Alirajpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is a tribal festival which is celebrated by the Barela, Bhil and Bhilala tribes of the state. It is celebrated at the end of the crop harvesting season. Adjoining parts of Maharashtra also celebrate this festival which occurs just before Holi and lasts for seven days. It includes community activities like cooking special delicacies, performing folk dances and singing folk songs. The village markets deck up with a special market known as Bhagoria Haat and the last day of the Bhagoria Haat coincides with the rituals of Holika Dahan.

05. Ujjain Kumbh Mela

The Ujjain Kumbh Mela, also known as Ujjain Simhastha, is a Hindu religious fair that takes place in the city of Ujjain every 12 years. It is believed that Lord Vishnu dropped four drops of Amrit on Earth from a Kumbh or pot. These four sites are today known to be the Kumbh Mela sites – of which Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is one. Kumbh Mela is largely a river-side festival. In Ujjain, it takes place by the Shipra River. The last Ujjain Kumbh Mela took place in 2016 and is a major Hindu festival that sees millions of pilgrims.

06. Malwa Utsav

The Malwa Utsav is an annual, five days long festival that takes place in the cities of Ujjain and Indore. This festival is organized to celebrate the cultural beauty of the Malwa region that lies in the north-west side of Madhya Pradesh, adjoined by Rajasthan. The festival includes several traditional music and dance performances, along with an arts and handicrafts exhibition of the region. The festival pays homage to the Natya Shastra which was compiled by sage Bharata Muni.

07. Nagaji Fair

The Nagaji Fair is celebrated in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh. This festival honours Sain Nagaji who lived during the rule of Akbar. The hotspot for the festivities of this fair is the Porsa village, where Nagaji used to live. This fair goes on for almost a month and is celebrated in the month of November or December. One of the highlights of this festival includes the trade of monkeys in the village markets. A lot of marriages also take place during this one month, since this is regarded as an auspicious time. This is majorly a tribal festival which is celebrated by tribes like Saharia, Bedia and others.

08. Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival

The Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival is a major festival of the Buddhist people. It is celebrated in Sanchi in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh each year in November. During the festival, the two important relics of Buddhism by Sai Puttha and Maha Moggallana are taken out for the pilgrims to see and offer prayers to. Sai Puttha and Maha Moggallana were two of Buddha’s earliest disciples and their relics were found in the Stupa No. 3 of Sanchi in 1853 and were placed in the Chaitygiri Temple. This two-day long festival was started in 1952 and always takes place on a weekend. Buddhist pilgrims from as far as Japan and Sri Lanka visit this festival to pay their respects.

09. Tansen Sangeet Samaroh

The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is a musical extravaganza that takes place every year in the Behat village of Gwalior District. This four-day-long festival is celebrated in the memory of Tansen, a great Hindustani classical musician who lived in the 16th century. The Samaroh is organized by the Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy, near the tomb of Tansen. Some of the country’s greatest musicians are invited to this gathering to deliver performances. Every year, the National Tansen Samman, which is an award of great prestige, is conferred upon a musician during the festival.

10. Ameer Khan Festival

The Ameer Khan Festival is celebrated in the Bhopal and Indore cities of Madhya Pradesh to celebrate devotional Sufi music and one can see various Sufi performances here. This is a one-day long festival and Kathak performances are also a part of this event. This festival is celebrated in Honour of Ameer Khan Sahab who was an esteemed musician and is fondly known as the founder of the Indore Gharana.

11. Dhrupad Samaroh

The Dhrupad Samaroh is organized to celebrate the Dhrupad form of Hindustani classical music. The Dhrupad style of music is devotional and spiritual, which was also renowned during the Mughal Empire. This musical festival takes place in Bhopal and includes a number of Dhrupad music performances.

12. Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh

The Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh takes place every year. This is one of the biggest festivals that celebrates Hindi theatres. The event comprises of a number of drama performances on several thought-provoking topics pertaining to politics and society. It is truly a treat for those who are passionate about theatre.

13. Alami Tablighi Ijtima

Also known as the Bhopal Tablighi Ijtema, this is an annual Islamic congregation. This festival was first started by Masjid Shakoor Khan in 1949 in Bhopal. But since 2005, the venue was shifted to Taj-ul-Masjid in a nearby town called Ghasipur. This annual gathering takes place in November and starts on a Friday and goes on until Monday and sees large numbers of pilgrims attending each year. This event consists of a series of lectures on various topics, including the Six Principles of Islam and the Islamic way of life.

14. Bundeli Utsav

The Bundeli Utsav is a celebration of the arts, crafts, music, dance, and food of the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. This annual fair takes place each year on the day of Basant Panchami and goes on for the next seven days. The festival is organized in the Basari Village of Chhatarpur district by the Bundeli Vikas Sansthan. The festival includes a number of events and competitions like folk dance, music, archery etc. and participants from eight districts of Madhya Pradesh and six districts of Uttar Pradesh that form the Bundelkhand region come together to compete. Many Bundelkhandi folk dances like Raai, Diwari, and Ravala and folk music like Faag, Khayal, and Lamtera amongst other are performed during the festival.

15. Hareli

Hareli is an agricultural festival celebrated by a number of tribal communities, especially the Gondi people in Madhya Pradesh and the adjoining state of Chhattisgarh. It is a prominent festival which worships Kutki Dai, the goddess of the crop. Hareli is celebrated during the monsoons, usually in July or August, when the sowed seeds finally start germinating, giving way to a lot of greenery or Hariyali, and hence its name. One of the major attractions of this festival is the game of “Gedi” in which children walk on bamboo stick stilts around the fields. Agricultural tools like shovel, axe, and hoe are also worshipped, and this festival is truly a cultural experience to behold!

Suggested Tours

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90s kids would know best that Madhya Pradesh has been popularized as the “heart of Incredible India” with the tourism board’s television ads featuring colourful visuals and catchy tunes. From religious sites to dense forests – these advertisements deftly covered most of this state’s charm. But what they forgot to mention was its rich relationship with food. From daily dishes to quick street food, desserts, and puddings to even homemade liquor – each region of Madhya Pradesh is known for its different taste palettes. In the drier areas of north and western parts of Madhya Pradesh, wheat, and meat play an important role, while the south of the state is wetter and is dominated by fish and rice.

Madhya Pradesh cuisine also borrows heavily from its Neighbours. With the Malwa region around the western part of the state, Bundelkhand, and Mewar in the north, the food in Madhya Pradesh has flavours of Rajasthani food (especially the Dal Bafla) and Gujarat (with the Kadhi-Fafda). Madhya Pradesh is truly a gastronomic adventure for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike! No visit to Madhya Pradesh is complete without a tasting of the wide varieties of food it has to offer. Here are only some of the many dishes and beverages that make Madhya Pradesh a true culinary haven!

Poha

Poha has become a popular breakfast food in most of North and West India, but the Indori Poha is a class apart. This dish is made of flattened rice cooked with boiled potatoes, onions, curry leaves, and peanuts mixed with spices like turmeric, topped with lemon juice. It is a favourite amongst many Indians and can be found widely in all parts of Madhya Pradesh. But what makes Indori Poha different is the toppings of pomegranate and Sev – which is a noodle shaped snack made of chickpea flour and spices. A popular accompaniment with the Indori Poha is the jalebi. This combination of sweet and tangy food makes for the perfect breakfast – or a quick street side snack!

Dal Bafla

Dal Bafla is Madhya Pradesh’s answer to Rajasthan’s widely popular Dal Bati Churma. Dal Bafla is often considered to be a dish which is served on special occasions. The Bafla is a small ball made of wheat flour dough. Unlike Rajasthan’s fried Baati, the Bafla is first boiled in water and then baked on iron griddles over dung cake stoves. The Bafla is then dunked in ghee to reduce the dryness and eaten with spicy dal and coriander chutney. In rural Madhya Pradesh, this dish is more popularly known with its traditional name, “Gakad”.

Bhopali Gosht Korma

Owing to its long history of Mughal rulers, the influence of Mughlai cuisine in Madhya Pradeshi food is evident. One such famous dish is the Bhopali gosht korma. This Nawabi dish consists of mutton slow-cooked over several hours with spices that render it rich in taste and so silky in texture that it melts in your mouth. The mutton is served doused in a spicy curry and eaten with tandoori roti. Bhopal’s “Chatori Gali” – a market lane especially reserved for gastronomes and foodies – is the perfect place to grab a piping hot plate of this delicacy.

Chakki Ki Shak

Chakki Ki Shak is yet another Madhya Pradeshi dish that largely owes its origin to Rajasthani cuisine. This dish consists of dumplings made of wheat dough which are first steamed with select spices, then cooked in a curd-based gravy. Traditionally, a local variant of wheat known as Tapu is used in Chakki Ki Shaak. This dish is especially famous in Indore and Neighbouring regions and is a side dish that is majorly prepared during special events like religious festivals.

Biryani Pilaf

Just as Lucknow and Hyderabad are famous for their renditions of the Mughlai Biryani, Madhya Pradesh has its own version too! Mostly found in the region of Bhopal, the Biryani Pilaf traditionally comes with mutton. This dish is quite common in Bhopal, especially in the “Chatori Gali” market. The Biryani Pilaf is often accompanied by Zarda, which is a sweet, kheer-like pudding. Zarda is heavily dependent on dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and raisins, and spices like cardamom and saffron.

Kadhi Fafda

Kadhi-Chawal is the comfort food of many Indians, but Kadhi-Fafda is a street snack which has its origin in Gujarat but is most popularly found in Madhya Pradesh. This dish consists of Fafda – a Gujarati cracker made of chickpea flour – Eaten with Kadhi – a tangy gravy made of curd and turmeric. Fried green chillies act as a great accompaniment to this dish for an extra punch!

Kopra Patties

Kopra patties are popular street food in Madhya Pradesh. This snack consists of mashed potatoes and grated coconuts mixed and made into balls which are deep-fried after being coated in a layer of besan or chickpea flour. This heavenly snack is served hot, accompanied by tangy coriander and mint chutney. They are also known as Indori Patties and are a popular food during fasts, especially during the Hindu festival of Navratri.

Dal Paniya

A Paniya is made of maize flour which is then put between the leaves of the Aak Plant (Calotropis Gigantea) and then cooked on an open fire of dried dung cakes. The accompaniments of Paniya are the same as that of Bafla – spicy dal and chutney.

Bhutte Ka Kees

Bhutte ka Kees is a corn-based dish widely famous across the Malwa region. This dish consists of grated corn which is roasted in ghee before being cooked in coconut milk. Spices like mustard seeds and green chillies are used to enhance the flavour.

Desserts

Badkul

Badkul is an incredibly famous sweet dish of Madhya Pradesh, mostly found in the Jabalpur region. This dish looks like a jalebi but tastes like a gulab jamun! This godly dessert is made of Khova and arrowroot batter which is deep-fried before being soaked in a sugar syrup – much like jalebi. Badkul owes its name to Harprasad Badkul who first invented this recipe in 1889 in his Halwai shop called Badkul Halwai. You can still visit this shop for an authentic taste of the dish near Kamaniya Gate in Jabalpur.

Doodh Jalebi

The Doodh-Jalebi is a winter favourite of the Khandwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It is a simple delicacy that consists of jalebis dunked in hot reduced milk which is relished very fondly across this region.

Beverages

Shahi Shikanji

Though folks from Uttar Pradesh know Shikanji to be a kind of lemonade, for people in Madhya Pradesh the Shikanji is quite different. The Shahi Shikanji is essentially a thick milkshake served with a mixture of spices like saffron, mace, nutmeg, and cardamom. The milk used in this Shikanji is reduced for 12 hours, and then cooled for another 12 before being converted into this famed milkshake!

Sulfi

Suli or salfi is a naturally occurring beer extracted from the sap of the mahua tree. It requires no brewing and tastes somewhat like coconut water, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It is traditionally consumed in cups made of the mahua tree leaves and is also commonly found in Chhattisgarh.

Suggested Tours

• Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
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Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest states of India located in the heart of the subcontinent. Ever since the past ages, this region had attracted invaders, explorers, empires, and rulers for its rich biodiversity and a plethora of cultures. Being a massive state and centrally located, it is accessible through all of India via trains, flights, and roads. From exploring the thriving wildlife culture to checking out some of the most iconic and legendary spiritual getaways or holy shrines, Madhya Pradesh welcomes everyone from all over the world.

Here are some ways that will make reaching this wonderful state an easy job:

By Flight:

A flight journey is one of the easiest and convenient ways of getting to Madhya Pradesh from anywhere in the world. In order to make the state more reachable, there are 5 main airports that cater to travelers and people from all over the world. Situated at a distance of 8 kms from Indore is the largest airport of Madhya Pradesh called Ahilyabai Holkar Airport. It connects places like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata through a fleet of domestic flights. In the same way airports like Raja Bhoj International Airport (BHO) in Bhopal, Dumna Airport (JLR) in Jabalpur, Gwalior Airport (GWL), and Khajuraho Airport (HJR) also have scheduled flights to major cities in India.

By Train:

If you are looking for a more viable option to reach Madhya Pradesh without spending much money then railways is the best option for that. Did you know that India has one of the largest networks of railway connectivity in the world? The central location of MP has made railways one of the best ways of connecting different states to it. Major trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Gareeb rath passes through MP on a regular basis throughout the year. The state boasts of close to 5,000 kms long network of railways that connects MP not just with bigger states outside but also with inner parts of the remote villages as well. Jabalpur in MP serves as the headquarters for the western railway zones. In all, there are around 20 railway junctions spread across the state. These also include stations like Ratlam, Khajuraho, Bhopal, Gwalior among others. There are direct trains also available from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to any of the stations in Madhya Pradesh.

By Road:

When it comes to road travel in MP, you will not be able to find roads more smooth and stronger anywhere else in India. If you are living in the neighboring or bordering states of Chhattisgarh, UP or just love to go on road trips then, going to MP in your private car or rented car, then this is the palace to be. Because rest assured, you will not be bored. There is over 1 lakh km of road network in the state that connects MP to the rest of the country through 20 different national highways. Interstate buses also connect the nearby cities and states to the main parts of the town. The major interstate bus terminals are at Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur.

Things to Do in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh has an extensive range of activities for travellers of every age group. Whether you are interested in a spiritual getaway, adventure thrill or historical explorations, this place has something for everyone. From amazing cascading waterfalls to verdant green cover and spiritual hubspots, this is one place where not even a single day will go to waste. Here somethings you can do in MP:

• Going on a soul-stirringly thrilling wildlife safari can be one of the many adventurous things you can do here. There is no dearth of thriving wildlife culture here due to the presence of around 9 different wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
• The trek up to the highest peak in the state which is Dhoopgarh is one of the most fun and exciting activities to indulge in. This is especially one of the most underrated activities to do in MP that deserves more attention.
• Sailing Bhedaghat should be done more. Sailing through the marble mountains on the clear green waters and amidst the peaceful surroundings would make for a time well spent especially if you are travelling with your family and kids.
• Going to MP and not visiting Khajuraho? That doesn’t sound right. Khajuraho group of temples should definitely be explored due to its rich heritage and spiritual value which has always been a place of interest for travellers and adventure freaks worldwide.
• Madhya Pradesh consists of some incredible waterfalls. Sure they will be explored during your sightseeing tour there but don’t forget to go for a thrilling ropeway ride over the roaring waterfalls in an exciting ropeway ride over the Dhuandhar waterfalls. It is a must-do activity for people travelling with kids and want to have a hint of adventure.

Suggested Tours

• Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
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Madhya Pradesh is also known as the heart of India because of its location. Decorating the central region of the Indian landmass is a state that is home to a rich biodiversity, exciting historical account, and impeccable scenic beauty. In general, the history of Madhya Pradesh can be divided into 3 parts according to the dynasties that had ruled there i.e. Nandas, Guptas, and Mauryas. Each period from ancient to modern history of MP has its own relevance, significance, and charm which makes this one of the largest states of India truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

Let’s start off by learning about the ancient historical account of the glorious Madhya Pradesh.

Ancient History:

If you want to learn about the life, times and remnants of an ancient era gone by, then take a trip to the iconic Bhimbetka Rock Cave shelter. You will instantly be propelled back to the paleolithic era or the time which is also known as the stone age. Rock shelters with ancient paintings have also been discovered in the vicinity of the region which can be dated to as far back as 30,000BCE. This region has also been mentioned in the holy Hindu texts of vedas as the southern boundary of the Indo-Aryan territory. Remains and paintings of the chalcolithic age are also present here. Madhya Pradesh is also mentioned in several Buddhist texts in the form of Mahajanapadas. As the Mauryans came to power, the medieval era was kickstarted in Madhya Pradesh.

Mauryans And Successors:

As the 2nd wave of civilization washed over Madhya Pradesh during the 6th century BC, Ujjain rose to popularity as one of the major centers of urbanization in India. It had served as a chief city in the kingdom of Malwa. The Mauryan rule was established in Madhya Pradesh after Chandragupta Maurya had combined his empire with northern India during 1500 BCE. The Mauryan empire rose in strength, region, and power through constant expansion and invasions by Ashok the great. He pushed his boundaries of invasions and became one of the largest empires in India. Soon after the death of one of the greatest rulers of India, this central Indian region was a point of dispute for several empires like the Sakas, Kushanas, and several other local rulers from 3rd to 1st BCE. As the 4th and 5th centuries approached and the rulers of the Saka Clan were dethroned and post a long-drawn battle, the Gupta empire came to power. This kickstarted the classical age in India. However, this period did not last and after local fights and rivalries, all these empires completely collapsed by the 5th century.

Late Medieval Period and Rajput Clans:

This period had seen the rise of Rajputs, Paramaras and the Chandelas of Bundelkhand. The Chandelas are the same people who are responsible for building the grand complex of sculptures of Khajuraho. This also represents the inclusion and culmination of the Hindu and Jain cultures. Did you know that there were constant attacks and invasions by the Turkic Delhi sultanate? After the collapse of the Delhi sultanate during the 14th century, various small independent, regional kingdoms began thriving. The Malwa Sultanate however came to a crashing end in 1531 as it was invaded by the Gujarati sultanate. From 1540 to 1556 there were many wars to claim this state. After the defeat of king, Hemu by Akbar in1556 Mughal rule commenced in the heart of India. Many small princely states and local rulers did not attempt to oppose the Mughal and enjoyed a virtual sense of autonomy. However, after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the power of Mughal rule in Madhya Pradesh weakened, and from 1720 to 1760, the Marathas took control of this central region. It was under the rule of many rulers ranging from the Peshwas, Holkars, and Dhars to Bhonsles and Scindias.

British Rule and Post-Independence in Madhya Pradesh

After the Anglo Maratha war of MP, the entire region came collectively under the rule of the British. All the sovereign states became part of the British princely states which were governed by the central India agency. In 1861 the British decided to merge Nagpur and Nerbudda territories to create the central provinces. However, since 1857 several uprisings and revolts against the British were also taking place simultaneously which were being led by leaders and freedom fighters.

After the Indian independence from the British in 1947, Madhya Pradesh was divided into 3 parts namely, Madhya Bharat, Vindhya Pradesh, and Bhopal. Later on in 1956, all these states were merged into one large and blissful state of Madhya Pradesh which we now know and love. Finally, in 2000, Chhattisgarh was also chipped off from the state, making it into a separate state.

Madhya Pradesh as a tourist destination has come a long way. From being the epicenter from numerous spiritual journeys, pilgrimages, and explorations to exploring the rich and thriving wildlife. It has attracted not only rulers for their fertile and rich biodiversity and land but it has also attracted the attention of numerous travellers from all over the world.

Suggested Tours

• Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
• Best of Madhya Pradesh Tour
• Madhya Pradesh Heritage Tour
• Charming Madhya Pradesh Tour
• Central India Tour
• Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Tour