Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

About Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

Madia Gonds or Madia or Maria are one of the endogamous Gond tribes living in Chandrapur District and Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra State, and Bastar division of Chhattisgad State India.

The Madia Gonds have been granted the status of a Primitive Tribe by the Government of Maharashtra under its affirmative action or reservation programme.
The Madia Gonds are strongly affected by Naxal activities.The Madia Gond use the self designation Madia, and call the area where they live Madia Desh.
The Ethnologue code for classification, classifies the Madia language as :Dravidian/South-Central/Gondi-Kui/Gondi/Maria.

A study mentions living megalithic practices amongst the Madia Gonds.One of the findings of The Bench Mark Survey done in 1997-1998 91.08 percent of Madia Gond families lived Below Poverty Line.

All Gonds and especially Madias, are very fond of dancing. It is the great amusement of the people. Night after night in the eastern tracts in the cool, moon-lit nights of the hot weather ,the rhythmic lilt of a Gondi chorus fills the air, as the villagers dance round a fire in some open space near the hamlet. The favourite dance is a peculiar rippling step forward with the foot dragged, not very graceful when done by a single individual, but looking quite different when done in unison by a great circle of dancers singing a ‘re-la’, ‘re-la’, chorus to which the step keeps time. In some villages, where the headman is an enthusiast for the pastime, a trained band performs weird and wonderful step dances to the sound of the drum.

At a big dance, the trained band occupies the inner ring round the fire, while the common folk, men and maids, in separate rings move round in great circles in opposite ways. All are dressed for the occasion in their best, bearing in their hands weird ornaments of wicker work, with garlands of flowers on their necks and in their hair, feather ornaments humorously or coquettishly placed.

Seen in the glow of a huge log fire, glinting on the shining beads and barbaric ornaments of the dancers, with the throb of the drums and the beat of many feet moving in unison to the wild music of the voices in chorus, a Madia dance is a spectacle not easily forgotten, but lingers as a characteristic scene when other details have faded out of the memory. Men and women ordinarily dance in separate circles but in the dances where the young men choose their brides, they dance in couples.

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Best time to visit Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

During major festivals (October-March); special performances arranged on request

How to reach Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal) / Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) / Dumna Airport (Jabalpur) / Gwalior Airport are the nearest airports with regular flights from major Indian cities. By Rail: Well-connected via Indian Railways network with regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and other major cities. By Road: Regular state bus services and private taxis available from nearby cities. Madhya Pradesh has a well-maintained network of national highways.

Timings & opening hours

Usually performed during festivals and cultural events; check local schedules

Entry fee & tickets

Free to watch at public festivals; cultural shows INR 100-500

Duration needed

1-2 hours per performance

Location info

Madhya Pradesh, India.

Safety tips

Respect local customs; photography may require permission; maintain silence during performances

Things to carry

Camera (with permission); comfortable seating cushion; light clothing

Nearby visiting places

Cultural centres, performance venues, local markets, and tourist information centres

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Accommodation options available in the nearest town/city. MP Tourism hotels, private resorts, and budget lodges are available near major tourist destinations. Advance booking recommended during peak season (October-March).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

Madia Gonds or Madia or Maria are one of the endogamous Gond tribes living in Chandrapur District and Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra State, and Bastar division of Chhattisgad State India.

The Madia Gonds have been granted the status of a Primitive Tribe by the Government of Maharashtra under its affirmative action or reservation programme.
The Madia Gonds are strongly affected by Naxal activities.The Madia Gond use the self designation Madia, and call the area where they live

Things to do at Marriage Dance of Maria Gond

Watch live performances, learn basic dance steps from performers, attend cultural workshops, photograph performances (with permission), and interact with local artist communities.

Things to visit & highlights

Main attraction, surrounding natural or cultural sites, local markets, and nearby points of interest in the region.

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Emergency Services: Police - 100, Ambulance - 108, Fire - 101. District helpline numbers available at local tourist information centres. For wildlife/national park emergencies, contact the forest department control room. MP Tourism helpline: 1800-233-6500 (toll-free).

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum retail outlets are available in the nearest town or city. Major highways have fuel stations at regular intervals. It is advisable to fill fuel before entering remote areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks where fuel stations may be limited.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch this dance? Performances are held during local festivals, cultural events, and government-organised tourism festivals.

How long is a typical performance? A typical performance lasts 30-60 minutes.

Are tourists allowed to participate? In some festivals, tourists are welcome to learn basic steps.

What is the best time to see this dance? Major tribal festivals and the Lokrang Festival (January) feature traditional dances.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Music And Dance