Gedi Race of Gond Tribes, the Pioneer of Olympic

The Hareli festival of Chhattisgarh is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. The word 'Hareli' comes from 'Haryali' in Hindi, which means greenery. It is mainly a festival celebrated by the various communities of farmers in the month of Shravan, corresponding to the months of July and August in the Gregorian calender. To be precise, the Hareli festival in Chhattisgarh occurs on the new moon day of the month or the Sravana Amavasya. This is actually a festival of harvest focusing on the monsoon of a year. The goddess 'Kutki Dai' is the presiding deity worshipped during this festival for good crops.

The Chhattisgarh Hareli festival is of special importance among the Gond tribes. The farmers of Chhattisgarh worship their equipment used for farming and cows in the Hareli festival. The theme is mainly nature centric and the basic prayer by the people of Chhattisgarh in the Hareli festival is for a good harvest. The manifestations in rituals are simple, though the prayers are ardent. 

During the Hareli festival, the people of Chhattisgarh place branches of the Bhelwa tree on their respective fields. They also place branches of the neem tree on the entrance of their houses, as neem has medicinal properties and wards off diseases as well as insects. The Baigas, or the traditional medical practitioners of Chhattisgarh, teach and appraise their students. The Hareli festival of Chhattisgarh is also marked by the interesting 'Gedi'. Mounted on sticks, the children of Chhattisgarh walk round the fields and also take part in the Gedi race.

Gedi climbing serves as a warm welcome to the enchanting rainy season for rural dwellers and farming societies alike. Despite the muddy landscapes that blanket the villages during this time. Gedi becomes a magical means of transportation, effortlessly whisking us away to any destination. As we traverse the terrain, the rhythmic "rach-rach" sound resonates, infusing the atmosphere with an extra touch of delight. It's an experience like no other, a blend of tradition, nature and pure exhilaration.

Gedi, crafted with care and creativity, is lovingly assembled using resilient bamboo. Two bamboos are carefully positioned at equal distances, forming the foundation. A bamboo piece is skilfully divided into two parts and reunited with a rope, giving birth to two sturdy paws. This assemblage, known as "pauwa," is affixed atop the nails inserted into the previously cut bamboos.

It's a kind of art that is performed climbing on bamboo sticks called Gedi. A kind of footrest is made at a certain height of the stick to climb the performers. This gives a picturesque view of performers when they walk and dance, climbing up 6 to 7 feet of bamboos. Gedi requires concentration and balance to a great extent. It is said to be 2000 years old.

During the monsoon and the first harvest, Gond tribes perform a dance by Gedi, which is a pair of bamboo stilts with footrests. The dancers strike the stilts on the ground to produce simple rhythmic beats. The dance is performed in a circle. They sing in chorus as well while performing. It looks much more than just a dance form. Dancers choose the compelling colours, like the brightest hues of red and yellow, to wear.

Gedi has been given a unique identity and it is a popular race amongst the youths of Chhattisgarh, where the stilts act as a point of focus. It is one of those games to play in Chhattisgarh that shows captivating views of nature rather than physical facilities like the premises. In most cases, the grounds are free for all. The game strengthens the leg muscles, which enhances our balance and confidence. As a result, the balance and coordination will improve.

Even some schools in Chhattisgarh, Gedi race is being taught along with their regular studies. Art and culture form an important part of a child’s education and their involvement must be encouraged.

This Hareli festival, embrace the spirit of celebration and embark on an extraordinary adventure with Gedi rides. It creates cherished memories, navigating the streets, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Hareli. We honour tradition, embrace joy, and witness the pure magic of Gedi rides.

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