|| SANT. SHREE. SEVALAL MAHARAJ ||
ABOUT BANJARA COMMUNITY
BANJARA HISTORY, CULTURE, AND ORIGIN :
The Banjaras are believed to have originated from the Mewar region of Rajasthan, where they were part of the Rajput clans. Historical accounts suggest that they were originally warrior-like people who later took up the role of transporters and traders. The Banjaras played a crucial role in the Indian subcontinent's trade network during medieval times, by transporting grains, salt, and other essential goods across difficult terrains. They were known for their use of bullock carts, which could traverse challenging landscapes, making them indispensable to the economy of that era. Culturally, the Banjaras are known for their vibrant and colorful lifestyle. Their attire, music, dance, and festivals are distinct and reflect their love for life and nature. the community's rich oral traditions, folklore, and Banjara - Gormati language, which is a blend of Hindi, Rajasthani, and local dialects, have helped preserve their cultural identity across generations.
OUR BANJARA COMMUNITY STRUCTURES :
The Banjara community is organized into social units called "Tandas," which function as villages or settlements. Each tanda is headed by a "Naik" or leader, who is responsible for maintaining order, resolving disputes, and overseeing community activities. The Banjaras are endogamous, meaning they marry within their tribe, and their social structure is hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on clan and family ties. The sense of community is very strong among the Banjaras, and their social structure plays a significant role in preserving their traditions and customs.
OUR ADORABLE DEITY SEVALAL MAHARAJ :
Sant Shree. Sevalal Maharaj is the most revered deity among the Banjaras. He is considered a spiritual leader, a social reformer, and a protector of the Banjara people. Sevalal Maharaj is believed to have been born in 1739 in a Banjara family in Karnataka and spent his life working for the upliftment of his community. He preached values of unity, truth, and justice, and is often depicted as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
The Banjaras hold Sevalal Maharaj in the highest regard, and his teachings continue to influence the community's way of life. Temples dedicated to Sevalal are found in Banjara settlements, and his birthday is celebrated with great fervor. The annual festival dedicated to him includes rituals, prayers, and cultural performances, drawing Banjaras from across the country.
PILGRIMAGE PLACE POHRA DEVI- WASHIM :
Sant Shree. Sevalal Maharaj’s Samadhi (final resting place) is located at Pohra Devi, which is a significant pilgrimage site for the Banjara community. Sevalal Maharaj, a revered saint and leader of the Banjaras, is known for his teachings on moral values, justice, and the spiritual well-being of his people. His Samadhi at Pohra Devi holds immense spiritual importance and is visited by thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Sevalal Maharaj Jayanti, which marks his birth anniversary.
The Samadhi site is often seen as a center of faith where devotees gather to seek blessings and honor Sevalal Maharaj’s legacy. Various religious and cultural events take place here, including rituals and celebrations that reflect Banjara traditions.
Pohra Devi, located in the Washim district of Maharashtra, is a significant pilgrimage site for the Banjara community. It is often referred to as the "Kashi of Banjaras." The site is dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi, also known as Pohra Devi, who is believed to be the mother of Sevalal Maharaj. The temple at Pohra Devi is an important religious center where Banjaras from all over India come to seek blessings.
The pilgrimage to Pohra Devi is a profound spiritual experience for the Banjaras. The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to various deities, and the annual fair held here attracts thousands of devotees. The fair is a vibrant event, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Banjaras through music, dance, and traditional rituals.
BANJARA MARRIAGES TRADITIONS :
Banjara marriages are elaborate and colorful affairs, reflecting the community's deep-rooted traditions and customs. The marriage ceremonies are typically arranged by the families, with a strong emphasis on matching horoscopes and ensuring compatibility between the bride and groom. The Banjaras follow strict endogamy, and marrying outside the community is rare.
The wedding ceremonies include several pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding rituals. One of the most significant rituals is the "Haldi" ceremony, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom to purify and bless them. The wedding itself involves traditional rituals like "Mandav," where the couple takes vows under a sacred canopy, and "Pheras," where they walk around the sacred fire, symbolizing their union.
Banjara weddings are known for their lively music and dance, with the entire community coming together to celebrate. The traditional Lambadi dance is often performed during weddings, adding to the festive atmosphere.
BANJARA TRADITIONS :
The Banjaras have a rich tradition of music, dance, and folklore. Their music is an essential part of their cultural identity, with songs that tell stories of love, bravery, and devotion. The "Lambadi" "Banjara" dance, performed by women, is one of the most well-known traditional dances of the Banjaras. It is characterized by graceful movements and vibrant costumes adorned with mirrors and beads.
Traditional Banjara attire is also distinctive. Women wear colorful ghagras (skirts) with intricate embroidery, cholis (blouses), and odhnis (veils). These garments are often decorated with mirrors, beads, and shells, making them eye-catching and unique. Men typically wear dhotis, turbans, and shirts, often in bright colors that match the vibrant spirit of the community.
BANJARA VALUES :
The Banjara community is deeply rooted in values of respect for elders, communal harmony, and a strong sense of identity. Family ties are crucial, and the community places great emphasis on maintaining traditions and passing them down to future generations. The Banjaras value their freedom and independence, traits that are reflective of their nomadic past.
Respect for nature is another core value of the Banjaras. They believe in the sanctity of natural elements such as rivers, trees, and mountains, often worshipping them as manifestations of divine power. This connection to nature is evident in their festivals, rituals, and daily practices.
BANJARA CUSTOMS :
Banjara customs are closely tied to the significant events of life, such as birth, marriage, and death. The community follows a range of rituals to mark these occasions, each with its own set of beliefs and practices. For instance, the birth of a child is celebrated with rituals that ensure the child's protection and well-being, while death is marked by elaborate funeral rites that help the departed soul find peace.
Festivals are an essential part of Banjara life, with the community celebrating various religious and cultural events throughout the year. These festivals often include rituals, feasts, and communal gatherings, reinforcing the bonds within the community.
Overall, the Banjara community is a vibrant and resilient group with a rich cultural heritage. Despite the challenges of modernization and the pressures to assimilate, they have managed to preserve their unique identity, traditions, and values. Through their history, culture, and customs, the Banjaras continue to be a living testament to the diversity and richness of India's cultural tapestry.
PLEASE NOTE The above description provides a brief overview of Banjara traditions, derived from the knowledge and experiences shared by esteemed elders and senior members of the community and some digital resources as well. These traditions reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Banjaras, encompassing their values, customs, and way of life. However, we understand that the information may not be exhaustive or completely accurate in every detail. We humbly apologize if any aspect is not up to the mark. Our intent is to preserve and promote the Banjara legacy, but we recognize that there may be areas for improvement. We genuinely appreciate any corrections, updates, or additions from those who possess a deeper understanding of these traditions. Your valuable input will help us ensure that the information we share is as accurate and comprehensive as possible, thus contributing to the continued preservation of our community’s heritage for future generations.
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MESSAGE TO BANJARA YOUTH AND USERS :
GENUINE REGISTRATION
The aim of our platform is to help individuals find their best life partner and to live a happy life after marriage. To maintain the integrity of this platform, we request all the individuals to register only if they are serious about searching a life partner. By doing so, we can ensure that only interested users are enrolled with us and this will increase the chances of all other users to get a suitable match through our platform.
PROFILE ACTIVITY AND QUALITY
We can feel the hope that comes while searching for the right match through our platform. To improve user experience, we request all the individuals to complete their profile and provide detailed information on our portal. Incomplete profile will not only hinder your path of getting the right match, but also it will add inconvenience for others and affect their experience. By ensuring high quality of profiles, we strive to build a trustworthy and efficient portal for everyone.
AVOID FAKE REGISTRATIONS
Fake registrations results in disappointment and reduces trust within your community. Such profiles waste valuable time of others and can result in emotional distress among those who are eagerly looking for the best match. We request all users to understand this concern and provide genuine information to avoid any conflict. Let’s join hands with us to create a safe and reliable environment for everyone.
RESPECT EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Marriage brings emotions not only for an individual for the family as a whole. Your fake registration can bring emotional trauma and headache to many families. We request every individual not to play with anyone’s emotions and to engage with our platform with honesty and integrity. All your genuine efforts will ensure that you value the emotions and efforts of all the families associated with our portal.
GENUINE ENGAGEMENT
Sincerity and authenticity is a must to get the best match. We are here with our excellent tools and support to help you in your search process. Through genuine engagement, you can improve your chances of getting the right partner who can value your aspirations. Our team is here to guide you at every step to make your matchmaking experience smooth and successful.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
Family involvement is crucial in matchmaking process. You can get valuable guidance from your parents and elders in matchmaking journey. You must discuss about your platform profile with your parents and keep them informed and value their decisions. This collaborative approach can help you in getting the right match and thus you will get a partner which is respected and accepted by all your family members.
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MESSAGE TO BANJARA COMMUNITY AND PARENTS :
DEAR PARENTS,
I hope this message finds you well. As our children grow older and start to think about their future, finding a life partner becomes an important consideration. In this digital age, matrimonial websites have emerged as valuable tools in this quest for companionship. I wanted to share some thoughts with you about navigating this process while keeping our children's best interests at heart.
First and foremost, it's essential to approach this with an open mind and heart. While traditional methods of matchmaking have their merits, matrimonial sites offer a vast pool of potential matches, broadening the scope of possibilities for our children. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and judgment when using these platforms.
AWARENESS ABOUT MATRIMONIAL SITES:
It's not that matrimonial sites are meant to be for only those who are not getting a proper match or delay in marriages due to some reasons. As we all know as per our Banjara traditions in the previous days or years back the (BHAATS) used to look for the matches who used to carry related profiles along with maintaining our descendants records and many of them were allocated personally to look into match making as well, also we would share the bio-data to our near and dear and relatives as well for a better search for our children's.
In essence, the Bhaat serves as a vital link between families within the community, ensuring that marriages are arranged thoughtfully and with due consideration of the social and familial contexts. Their work is integral to preserving the community's traditions, maintaining the continuity of family histories, and facilitating the union of compatible families, thereby upholding the cultural and social fabric of the society they serve.
In the past, particularly within Banjara traditions, the role of the Bhaat was central to the process of matchmaking. These individuals were responsible for finding suitable matches by maintaining detailed records of family lineages and descendants. The Bhaat's carried related profiles, ensuring that marriages were arranged within compatible families based on social status, family background, and personal preferences. They played a crucial role in preserving community traditions by personally overseeing the matchmaking process and sharing bio-data with relatives and close family friends to widen the search for a suitable match.
However, in today’s fast-paced, digital era, many traditional practices like the work of the Bhaat have gradually faded. The time-intensive process of manually searching for a match through personal connections and extensive travel has become less feasible for many due to busy schedules and the demands of modern life. Despite the dedication and effort required, the old methods of finding a match can sometimes feel out of step with the efficiency needed in contemporary society.
Today, the role once fulfilled by the Bhaat has largely been replaced by matrimonial sites, which offer a single, convenient platform to search for a life partner. These digital platforms provide users with advanced search and filtering options, enabling them to find matches that align closely with their preferences in terms of personal, familial, and social factors. Matrimonial sites streamline the process, allowing individuals and families to search for a suitable match without the need to rely on extensive networks or face the logistical challenges that once accompanied the traditional matchmaking process.
In essence, while the traditional role of the Bhaat was vital in the past, modern technology has transformed the way people search for life partners. Matrimonial sites now serve as a more efficient and accessible alternative, catering to the needs of today’s busy, digital- generation.
LET’S DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES OF MATRIMONIAL SITES OVER TRADITIONAL [BHAAT]
CHANGING LIFESTYLE:
With the increase in urbanization, mobility and individual choices, people choice has been shifted towards matchmaking sites to get more personalized matches.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT:
Digital technology has changed the way we used to live earlier. This has also impacted the way people find the life partner. Matrimonial sites offer a tech-savvy approach to meet the modern preferences and choice of the people.
INCREASED SOCIAL MOBILITY:
With the increase in nuclear families, traditional BHAAT practice may not work into modern life. Matrimonial sites can meet the individual preferences and diverse needs of the users.
PERSONALIZATION AND FILTERING:
Through matrimonial sites, users can avail the facility of advanced search and filter. This allows them to look for the match that can meet their preferences.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY:
Online matrimonial sites maintain the privacy and confidentiality of users’ information. This feature holds importance for the users who want to keep their search private.
EFFICIENT MATCHMAKING PROCESS:
Matrimonial sites work on data-driven strategy to suggest you matches based on your preferences. This can streamline the matchmaking process and can save your time and efforts.
HERE ARE A FEW POINTS TO CONSIDER:
COMMUNICATION IS KEY:
Encourage our children to be honest and clear about their preferences, values, and aspirations. Effective communication lays the foundation for meaningful connections.
SAFETY FIRST:
Remind our children to prioritize safety when interacting with potential matches online. They should avoid sharing sensitive personal information and meet in public places when ready to take the conversation offline.
BALANCING TRADITION AND MODERNITY:
While we cherish our cultural traditions, it's essential to embrace the evolving landscape of relationships. Matrimonial sites provide a blend of tradition and modernity, offering a platform where our children can find compatibility while honoring our heritage.
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE:
Our children may feel overwhelmed or uncertain at times during this process. Let's offer them our support and guidance, lending a listening ear and providing reassurance along the way.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE:
Finding the right life partner is not a race; it's a journey. Encourage our children to be patient and resilient, understanding that the right match may take time to manifest.
COMMUNICATION:
never let your children's to communicate directly or personally to the desired matches, which in some cases may results in wrong impressions. As a priority parents should get in touch first as they know very well the process of approach depending on their experiences.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
It's a priority and responsibility of parents to go through the Background check for alliance they are looking for. Navleri Vetadu Matrimony has no concern with such verification or neither we get involve or responsible for the verifications of any of such profiles.
GENUINE AND SAFE:
It's not mandatory or We do not ask for any of the ID proofs like Aadhar or pan or driving license during or after registration but is would be the additional if you provide from your end during registration which helps in making your profile genuine and safe.
By submitting your personal information on our portal, we promise every user that their information will remain secure with us. Providing all such information to our portal will increase your chances of getting a genuine match, as it will increase the trust of other users searching for bride or groom.
As we embark on this journey alongside our children, let's approach it with optimism, empathy, and a commitment to their happiness and well-being. By embracing the opportunities afforded by matrimonial sites while staying grounded in our values, we can help our children pave the path to a fulfilling and enriching partnership.
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BANJARA BHAAT:
A "Bhaat" is a traditional genealogist found in certain communities, particularly in India. These individuals are entrusted with the significant responsibility of maintaining detailed records of family lineages and ancestry. Passed down through generations, a Bhaat's records meticulously document the descendants of a particular family, tracing their roots and preserving their heritage.
Bhaat's play an essential role in maintaining the continuity of family history, often preserving details that span many generations. Their records, usually handwritten in large registers or manuscripts, include information such as births, marriages, deaths, and significant family events. This information is invaluable, particularly during matchmaking processes, where these genealogical records are consulted to ensure compatibility and the absence of close familial ties, thus preventing marriages within the same lineage, which is culturally or legally prohibited in some communities.
In bANJARA cultures, Bhaat's are regarded with great respect for their role in preserving the community's history and aiding in the continuation of traditions. Their work ensures that family lineages are documented accurately, helping individuals stay connected to their roots and cultural heritage while also supporting the vital practice of arranged marriages.
A "Bhaat" is a traditional figure in Banjara Community, particularly revered for their role as a genealogist and matchmaker. Their primary responsibility is to meticulously maintain and update records of family lineages, documenting the descendants of a family across generations. This role has been passed down through generations, making Bhaat's the guardians of ancestral heritage and history.
Bhaat's are entrusted with the preservation of detailed genealogical records that span many generations. These records, often maintained in large, handwritten registers, include vital information such as births, marriages, deaths, and significant events in a family's history. The meticulous documentation kept by Bhaat's not only preserves the history of families but also serves an essential purpose in the context of matchmaking.
In Banjara tradition, where arranged marriages are a common practice, the Bhaat"s use to play a crucial role in finding suitable matches for individuals within the Banjara community. They carefully use to analyze the social status, family background, and preferences of the prospective bride and groom, ensuring that the match is compatible on various levels. This compatibility assessment goes beyond mere social standing and verifies deep into the complex details of both families' histories, including their personal and familial backgrounds.
Bhaat's also gather and share detailed information about potential brides and grooms, including their personal backgrounds, family histories, and other relevant details. This information is then communicated within the community, helping families find suitable matches that align with their values, traditions, and expectations. Once a potential match is identified, the Bhaat facilitates the introduction between the two families.
Further the Bhaat use to arranges a formal meeting between the families of the prospective bride and groom, creating a space for them to get acquainted and discuss the match in greater detail. During this meeting, the families use to have discussions on various aspects of the potential marriage, including the personal characteristics of the bride and groom, their familial backgrounds, and other relevant factors that could influence the marriage. The Bhaat's role in these meetings is to mediate and ensure that all necessary information is exchanged, helping both families make an informed decision.
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