Jhabua, MP, Feb 22 (UNI) The colourful festival of 'Bhagoria' -- a sort of Valentine's Day for tribals in this district of Madhya Pradesh -- will be celebrated by the Tribals of Madhya Pradesh from February till March 3.

Tribals from 45 villages in Jhabua district will take part in the festival, during which the young people chose their partners and run away with them. Subsequently, these young people are accepted as couples.

The festival has been influenced by modern culture over time with dressing sense of tribals having undergone a change wity electronic gadgets replacing traditional musical instruments.

'Bhagoria Haat' has become a centre of attraction for foreigners, who usually flock the fair in large numbers.

The festival also coincides with the completion of harvesting besides celebration of 'Holi'.

Tribals, working far from their homes, return to their native place during the festival. Old disputes are also settled during the period.

Official sources said the state government was striving hard to popularise the festival.

During the haat, young people of marriageable age are registered and are given Rs 5,000 after their marriage. Last year, 108 couples were registered.

An exhibition was also being organised to showcase rural schemes during the occasion.

UNI