Bhojpuri region

Bhojpuris a ethnolinguistic and cultural area in theIndian subcontinentwhere theBhojpuri languageis spoken as a mother tongue. TheBhojpuri regionencompasses parts of the Indian states ofBihar,Uttar Pradesh, andJharkhand, and theMadhesh,GandakiandLumbiniprovinces ofNepal.
The earliest known evidence of Human settlement in the region are theCave paintingofKaimurandMirzapur.The firstNeolithicsettlement found in this region is inChirandofSaran, which dates back 2500-1500 B.C. and is contemporary to theHarrapans.Historically, the region was part ofMallaandKashiMahajanapadas.Varanasi, known as the center of the Bhojpuri cultural region is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.
The Bhojpuri region received its name after the town ofBhojpur(Arrah), the headquarters of theUjjainiyaRajputsof the formerShahabad districtof Bihar.
Most of the Bhojpuri region lies in the fertileGangetic plains, with highlands present in its northern, southern, and southwestern areas.  The northern part of Bhojpur includes theShivalik rangeof theHimalayas, while the southern part includes theKaimur range,Vindhya range,Rohtas PlateauandChhota Nagpur Plateau. The region is traversed by numerous rivers originating from the Himalayas, which enrich the soil and make it highly productive for agriculture. Additionally, several other rivers flowing through the region, originate from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau, as well as the Kaimur, Vindhya, and Satpura ranges. These geographical features have profoundly influenced the cultural and historical development of Bhojpur.
The Bhojpur region is divided into two unequal halves by theGanges River, which flows through the middle from west to east. On the northern side, rivers such as theGandak,Ghaghara(Sarayu),Gomti, andBurhi Gandakmerge with the Ganges, while on the southern side, rivers like theSoneandKarmnasa, flow into it. Other important rivers include theRapti(a tributary of the Ghaghra),Durgavati(a tributary of the Karmnasa),North Koel,RihandandKanhar(tributaries of the Sone), andSai(a tributary of the Gomti). All these rivers ultimately merge with the Ganges, which flows into theBay of Bengal. TheSubarnarekha Riverdrains into the Bay of Bengal. TheNorth Karo Riverflows into theSouth Koel, which then joins theSankh Riverto form theBrahmani River, which also drains into the Bay of Bengal.
The speakers ofBhojpuri languageare calledBhojpuriyasand are anIndo-Aryanethno-linguistic group. There are an estimated 150 million Bhojpuriyas worldwide, with the vast majority beingHindu.
The economic and industrial growth of this region had been greatly hindered because of caste-guided political in-fighting and a huge population.
The culture of Bhojpur is also very much present today inTrinidad and Tobago,Jamaica,Guyana,Suriname,Fiji,Mauritius, andSouth Africa, due to the manyIndian indentured laborerswho were sent there by the ruling British in the mid 19th century to the early 20th century, and were from thePurvanchal-Bhojpur region.
Bhojpuri language is a descendant ofMagadhi Prakritwhich started taking in shape during the reign of theVardhana dynasty.The earliest form of Bhojpuri can be traced in the Siddha Sahitya and Charyapada as early as 7th century A.D.It is aneastern Indo-Aryan languageand one of the easternmost branches of theIndo-European languagefamily.The Bhojpuri variant ofKaithiis the indigenous script of Bhojpuri language.
Bhojpuri musicis a form of Hindustani Classical Music and includes a broad array of Bhojpuri language performances in distinct style, both traditional and modern.
Bhojpuri painting is a folk painting style that has flourished in the Bhojpuri region thousands of years ago. This painting style is a type of wall painting primarily done ontemple wallsor onwalls of the rooms of newlymarried couplesand the main motifs are that of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Although in recent times motifs of natural objects and life and struggles of village people are also depicted to make the painting more acceptable among the common people and bring the style close to reality.
Sikki grass craftsare traditional items crafted from sikki grass, widely found in the Bhojpur region.
Men in the Bhojpuri region traditionally wearDhoti, Ganji,Kurta,Lungi, and carry aGamchha, often used as a turban (Muraitha). Women wearSari(also called Luga) in Sojha Palla style. Daily attire is usually cotton, whileBanarasi Sariis preferred for special occasions. On auspicious occasions, there is a tradition of wearing yellow garments, which are called Piyari. Men wear Piyari dhoti paired with a Piyari ganji and kurta, while women wear a Piyari sari.
The Bhojpuri region is renowned for its rich tradition of jewellery, with over fifty types of ornaments traditionally worn by women to adorn different parts of the body:
Head: Mangtika, Aad
Nose: Nakbuli, Punchhi, Bulaak, Nathiya, Nathuni
Ears: Kanphool, Utarna, Jhumak, Sikari
Neck: Hansuli, Kanthha, Halka, Chauki, Chanarhaar, Badhi, Jhabiya,Haar
Arms: Bajuband, Baharbuta, Baank, Josan, Bajul
Wrist: Pahunchi, Pachhua, Kakani,Sankha Pola, Lahthhi, Banguri, Ageli-Pachheli,Churi, Bera, Badhara
Waist: Danrkas
Fingers: Anguthhi, Hathsankar
Feet: Bichhiya (toe ring), Pairi, Poriya, Godaaon, Jhaanjh, Pawjeb, Chhada, Chhagal
Boy's Ornaments: Bera, Godaaon, Danda, Tainti, Chanarma, Boonti
Men Ornaments::Anguthhi, Dholna, Tainti, Bichkaani, Lorki
These ornaments hold cultural significance and are crafted from various materials, including gold and silver, reflecting the social, cultural, and ceremonial traditions of the Bhojpuri community.Gold ornaments are not worn below the waist. TheBichhiyais a significant gift given to brides during their farewell (bidaai). Bhojpuriya women regularly applyaalta(red dye) to their feet. Bhojpuriya men, however, use aalta only on special occasions. Women also adorn their hair withgajara.
Married Bhojpuriya women apply orange vermilion, known as Piyari Senur, in their hair parting (maang). During weddings, festivals likeChhath,Durga Puja,Jiutiya,Teej, and other special occasions, they wear a long streak of vermilion from their nose to their hair parting. For the Senurdaan ritual in Bhojpuri weddings, a special type of vermilion called Bhakhra Senur is used. In the northeastern part of the Bhojpuri region, in areas such asWest Champaran,East Champaran,Muzaffarpur,Chhapra,Siwan,Gopalganj,Bara,Parsa, andRautahat, pink Bhakhra Senur is common, while orange Bhakhra Senur is widely used in the rest of the Bhojpuri region.Bhojpuriya women applytikulion their foreheads, which is usually round in shape and red in color. A larger-sized tikuli is called tikula.
Silkweavingis a manufacturing industry inVaranasi. Varanasi is known throughout India for its production of very fine silk andBanarasi sarisandsalwar suits.
Bhojpuri cuisine(Bhojpuri:𑂦𑂷𑂔𑂣𑂳𑂩𑂲𑂨𑂰 𑂦𑂷𑂔) is a style of food preparation common among theBhojpuri people. Bhojpuri foods are mostly mild and tend to be less hot in terms of spices used. The cuisine consists of both vegetable and meat dishes.
Chhath PujaandDurga Pujaare the biggest festivals of Bhojpuri region.
Chhath Puja: Prayers during Chhath Puja are offered toLord SurujandChhathi Maiyaas an expression of gratitude and devotion. Chhath is considered as Mahaparab by theBhojpuriyas.
Durga Puja: Durga Puja, a major festival in the Bhojpuri region, celebratesGoddess Durga'svictory over Mahishasura and honors her as a symbol of life and prosperity. The main festivities are observed over five days—Khasthi, Maha Satami,Maha Athami,Maha Naomi, andBijayadasami. However, the preparations and rituals traditionally begin from Ekam and continue for ten days.
Phagua: Phagua is a vibrant festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Jiutiya:  Jiutiya, or Jitiya, is a three-day festival where mothers observe nirjala fasting for their children’s well-being, breaking it on the third day with traditional foods.
Sarsati Puja: It is a festival dedicated toGoddess Sarsati, the deity of wisdom, knowledge, music, and the arts.
Diyari: Deepavali, or Diyari, is the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Jamdiyari: A day before Diyari when the oldest woman in the family lights an old diya with seven cereals and oil outside the house, facing south, to pleaseJam Raja, the God of death.
Dhanteras: A day dedicated toLord Dhanvantari, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, when acquiring new assets, gold, silver, utensils, and a broom is believed to bring good fortune.
Biskarma Puja: It is a celebration dedicated toLord Biskarma, the creator of the universe's structures and the patron of artisans and craftsmen.
Godhan: Godhan is a two-day festival celebrated after Deepawali, where sisters perform rituals with cow dung figures, bless their brothers after symbolic curses, and conclude with an exchange of gifts.
Pidiya: Pidiya is a month-long festival celebrating the brother-sister relationship, beginning after the Godhan festival and continuing until Ekam Tithi of the Agahan month. The first 15 days are called Chhotki Pidiya, while the remaining 15 days are known as Badki Pidiya.
Rakhi: Rakhi is a celebration where sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing love, care, and protection.
Khichari: Khichari, also known as Sakraat, is observed with prayers to the Sun God during its transition into Capricorn, followed by feasting on Dahi Chiura, Khichari, laai, tilwa, tikut, laddus,pithas, etc.
Hartalika Teej: It is celebrated by women with fasting and prayers to seek the blessings ofGoddess GauraandLord Shankarfor a happy and prosperous married life.
Dev Deepavali: It is celebrated inVaranasi, marking the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur, with temples and ghats illuminated by countless oil lamps. Over time, it has also started being celebrated in other parts of Bhojpur as well.
Satuaan: a Bhojpuri festival marking the end of Kharmas, is celebrated with holy baths, donations, and offerings ofsatuaand raw mangoes as prasad.
Maha Siuraat: Maha Siuraat or Phaguni Teras is a festival dedicated toLord Shiva, observed with fasting, night-long vigils, and prayers for blessings and spiritual growth.
Kajari Teej: On the eve of Kajari Teej, women eat jaleba, stay awake the entire night singingKajarisongs, and dance with dholak and jhaal. The following day, they observe a fast and worshipLord ShankarandGoddess Gaurafor the well-being of their husbands.
Lalahi Chhath: A festival where women fast and worshipChhathi Maiyafor the well-being and long life of their children.
Nag Nathaiya: It is a festival celebrated atTulsi GhatinVaranasi, reenactingLord Krishna'svictory over the serpent Kaliya, observed on the fourth day of Kartik's light fortnight.
Anawat (Anant Chaturdashi): The festival, linked toKshira SagaraandLord Vishnu'sAnantarupa, involves rituals with a 14-knot thread, tied by men on the right arm and women on the left, along with fasting.
Ram Naumi: It is a celebration marking the birth ofLord Rama, observed with prayers, rituals, devotion and the singing ofChaitiand Sohar songs.
Karma Dharma: Karma Dharma is a harvest festival dedicated to Karam Deota, the god of power and youth, celebrated for a good harvest and health.
Janmashtami: It is a festival marking the birth ofLord Krishna, celebrated with fasting, chanting, and devotional Sohar songs.
Sama Chakwa: Sama Chakwa is a festival where girls fast and perform rituals for the well-being and prosperity of their brothers, particularly celebrated in the districts ofWest Champaran,East Champaran,Muzaffarpur,Bara,ParsaandRautahat.
Bahura: On Bahura, sisters worshipLord Ganesha, fast for their brothers, feed cows, and listen to the Bahura Katha.
Ganga Dasahara: It is a Hindu festival celebrating the descent of the sacredRiver Gangato Earth, observed with rituals and prayers along its banks.
Sharad Purnima: Sharad Purnima, also known as Kojagra, is celebrated with the worship ofGoddess LachhmiandChanardeo, offeringTasmaias parsadi under the moonlight.
Katiki Punmasi: Katiki Punmasi, or Gangnahan, is a sacred Hindu festival marked by holy dips, prayers, andDev Deepawalicelebrations.
Achh Naumi: A day dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where the Amla tree is worshiped, and food is prepared and eaten beneath it.
Naga Panchami: It is dedicated to the worship of snakes, seeking protection and blessings for prosperity and health.
Guru Punmasi: Guru  Punmasi is a festival celebrated to acknowledge and express gratitude to teachers and gurus.
Bar Puja: A festival where married women fast and worship the Banyan tree, praying for their husband's longevity and well-being.
Bhojpuri language is spoken in the districts of WesternBiharand EasternUttar Pradeshwhich is calledPurvanchal.
Bihar
Patna division:Bhojpur district,Buxar district,Kaimur districtandRohtas district.
Saran division:Saran district,Siwan district,Gopalganj district.
Tirhut division:West Champaran district,East Champaran district,Muzaffarpur district
Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi division:Chandauli district,Ghazipur district,Jaunpur district,Varanasi district.
Gorakhpur division:Deoria district,Gorakhpur district,Kushinagar district,Maharajganj district.
Azamgarh division:Azamgarh district,Ballia district,Mau district.
Mirzapur division:Mirzapur district,Sant Ravidas Nagar district,Sonbhadra district.
Basti division:Sant Kabir Nagar district,Siddharthnagar district,Basti district
Jharkhand
Palamu division:Palamu district,Garhwa district
Madhesh Province(Nepal)
Bara district,Parsa district,Rautahat district
Lumbini Province(Nepal)
Parasi district,Rupandehi district
Note thatBhojpur districtofKoshi Pradeshis not an Indo-Aryan Bhojpuri ethnolinguistic region, although it shares the same name.
According to the 2011 Census, Hindus form the majority in the Bhojpuri region, with 85.33% adhering to Hinduism. Islam is practiced by 14.5% of the population, while 0.52% profess other religions.
InIndia, there is an active movement in the Bhojpuri-speaking region ofUttar Pradesh,BiharandJharkhand, demanding the formation of a separate Bhojpuri state.The proposed capital for this state is eitherVaranasiorGorakhpur.
There is a demand for a separate Bhojpura state inNepal, formed by merging the Bhojpuri-speaking areas ofMadhesh,Lumbini,GandakiandBagmatiprovinces, withBirgunjproposed as the capital city.