Ghotul is a cultural center of
Abujhmarias,
Gonds and
Murias in
Madhya Pradesh and
Chhattisgarh. Lingo Pen, a phallic deity, is the founder of the Muria Ghotul. The objective of the Ghotuls is educating children, to develop qualities in them and for the selection of life partner. Students were tested for skills in leaf-weaving, vegetable-growing, ash-cleaning, and wood-carving. Sex education is also given in Ghotuls.
This institution is located outside the village. The Ghotul building is a small hut, a meeting hall or group of huts depending upon the village population and leadership. It is used as a meeting center of young males and females. Every male is called Chelick and female called Motiyari.
After sunset the male members arrive at the Ghotul with sleeping mats, tobacco-pouches and other things needed for the night stay. They chat, joke, and smoke around the camp fires. The females sing and dance. Mandri and flute accompany the music. The beat out of the drums indicate that the youth were preparing for the Ghotul.
At late night, Belosa, the leader of the girls and Sirdar, the leader of the boys decide how the couples shall be paired. The decision is as a romance mixed with duty and charm, get equal chances in the equality of romance.
