Harshal N. Bhange
Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute (Deemed to be University)
E-mail: harshal.n.bhange@gmail.com
Issue: Volume 2 No. 1 (March 2026) Anubodhan
Received: 30 January 2026 / Accepted: 8 February 2026 / Published: 31 March 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n1.2026.001
Abstract
The present study focuses on the Dhiwar community and their traditional practices. The Dhiwar community is traditionally engaged in fishing practices. This community lives on the banks of the rivers of the Vidarbha region, mainly in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra. The research tries to understand their daily life, fishing methods, traditional knowledge, and how modernization and urbanization have affected their way of living. The Dhiwars have deep knowledge about their surroundings, environment and ecology, which can be seen in their seasonal fishing methods like Dunga, Gher Jal, and Chadni chya machya. These practices are excellent examples of their knowledge about their surroundings and their keen observation skills.
The study is based on field visits, informal interviews, and participation in local activities. From what the author observed, traditional fishing still plays an important role in their lives, but many things are changing. Pollution, industrialisation, dropping water levels, and new government rules have made their work harder. Many people have started using nets made of plastic, bleaching powder to kill fishes for easy catch, and electric rods instead of older and safer fishing techniques. These modern methods are very harmful to the ecosystem in the rivers.
The Dhiwars are strong worshippers of Mahadev, Guru Dev, and Waghoba. They continue to celebrate old rituals like Beej Puja and Dulha Dev Puja, which show a mix of tribal and Hindu beliefs. Even though modern life has reached their villages, their customs, roles, and faith have not disappeared. Many parts of their old culture and traditions still continue with some changes. This study brings attention to how the Dhiwar community has adapted to change but still kept its identity. Their fishing knowledge, rituals, and stories carry both cultural and ecological importance, and documenting these practices helps to protect India’s living heritage.
Keywords: Bhoi, Dhimar, Dhiwar, Ethnography, Traditional practices, Tribal.
How to cite: Bhange, H. N. (2026). Traditional Practices of Dhiwar Community: An Ethnographic Study. Anubodhan, 2(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n1.2026.001