Bhojali, also known as Bhujalia, is an important festival celebrated in
Chhattisgarh. This festival is observed in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad (August-September).
The preparations for the festival begin on the Nagpanchami day, a week before the actual Bhojali day. On this day seeds of grain producing plants, are sown in earthen pots. In some places, leaf cups called ‘churkus’ are used instead of the pots. Manure is put in the pot and watered daily, so that they may sprout seedlings at the time of the festival. These seedlings are referred as Bhojali.
On the day of Bhojali, feasts are held. The womenfolk carry the earthen pots containing the seedlings to the river or tank. On the way to the river, they sing ceremonial songs, which are mostly in praise of river Ganges. The sprouts are then floated on the water. While performing this ritual the women sing songs, which refer to Bhojali as a deity.
