कहत कबीर सुनो भाई साधो...
"हाथ बानी, खोल रसाई।
सुध भई, मनु धोई धोई धोई, धोई धोई धोई धोई॥"
Translation:
"With hand-woven cloth, open your kitchen.
Sweetness has been created; let your mind be cleansed, cleansed, cleansed, cleansed."
In this verse, Kabir metaphorically speaks of weaving hand-woven cloth as a means to nourish oneself and bring sweetness to life. Just as hand-woven cloth adorns and sustains the kitchen, Kabir suggests that inner purification and spiritual nourishment are essential for a fulfilling life. The repetition of "cleansed" emphasizes the importance of purifying the mind and soul.
We, the weavers of Panika, Jhariya, and Chandrawanshi communities, traditionally referred to as the "Kabir Panthis," have long been inspired by the teachings of Saint Kabir. His philosophy of oneness, simplicity, and devotion resonates deeply with their lives and work as weavers. Many of Saint Kabir's teachings emphasize the importance of honest labour, humility, and the pursuit of inner peace, values that resonate strongly with the weaving communities.
Throughout history, we, the followers of Saint Kabir have formed close-knit communities centred around his teachings, often gathering for communal prayers, spiritual discourses, and cultural festivals. As Kabir Panthis, we maintain a rich oral tradition, passing down Saint Kabir's poetry and teachings from generation to generation, keeping his legacy alive in our daily lives.
The followership of Saint Kabir among our communities serves as a unifying force, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and social status. It fosters a sense of community, solidarity, and shared spiritual values, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region and perpetuating the timeless wisdom of Saint Kabir for generations to come.
Residing amidst the lush forests and rolling hills of Dindori, the Baiga people have maintained their distinct cultural traditions for centuries.
With roots tracing back to ancient times, the Baiga tribe has inhabited the forests of central India for generations. They have sustained themselves through a harmonious relationship with nature, relying on traditional agricultural practices.
The Baiga people are culturally renowned for their vibrant folklore, traditional art forms, and unique spiritual beliefs. They worship various deities associated with nature and the elements, reflecting their reverence for the natural world.
The Baiga tribe, indigenous to central India, has a rich tradition of tattooing that dates back centuries. Tattooing holds significant cultural and spiritual importance within the Baiga community, symbolising identity, status, and spiritual protection.
In Baiga society, tattooing is primarily practised by women, who traditionally adorn their bodies with intricate designs passed down through generations.
The Baigin wears 'soolah haath' saris, intricately woven by skilled artisans in the Dindori district. The soolah haath saris are worn with pride on special occasions and ceremonies, such as weddings, festivals, and religious rituals. They serve as markers of social status and are often passed down as heirlooms from mother to daughter, carrying with them the legacy of generations past.
