Village Unity in Barwani: 'Dhas' Tradition Rebuilds Roof in One Day
In a remarkable display of community solidarity, residents of Kamod village in Barwani district came together to help fellow villager Bul Singh Arya after his house roof was damaged. Through collective effort, pits were dug, wooden pillars erected, a bamboo framework prepared, and earthen tiles laid—all completed within a single day. This task would normally have taken Bul Singh approximately 10 days to finish alone.
Ancient Tradition of 'Dhas' Thrives in Tribal Communities
The villagers extended this helping hand under their age-old tradition known as 'Dhas', which symbolizes collective cooperation and selfless service. This tradition continues to thrive among the Barela, Bhil, and Bhilala tribal communities of western Madhya Pradesh even today. According to the custom, Bul Singh expressed his gratitude by hosting a community meal in the evening, as confirmed by his brother-in-law and former Mandi member, Paras Ram Senani.
How the 'Dhas' Tradition Works
The tradition maintains that whenever a needy or poor person requires assistance—whether for repairing or constructing a house, ploughing fields, harvesting crops, or other agricultural work—the entire village unites to complete the task through shramdaan (voluntary labour). The person seeking help simply informs villagers a day in advance, and people respond without any discrimination.
In many cases, the number of participants ranges from 20 to 100, enabling work that normally takes a week or more to be completed in just one day. The host's only responsibility is to provide food, which is often prepared collectively by the villagers themselves.
Real-Life Examples of Community Support
Farmer Khetiram Mehta from Dhanora village shared his experience, explaining that the tiled roof of his mud house had deteriorated. Being alone, he was unable to repair it. Following the community tradition, he organized a 'Dhas' and informed relatives, neighbours, and villagers. Within a day, everyone worked together to repair the roof, relieving him of the fear of rainwater entering his home.
Villager Sukhlal emphasized, "Dhas is a tradition passed down by ancestors, who practised mutual assistance during house construction and crop harvesting. We continue the same tradition today, helping poor farmers through collective effort."
Expert Insights on the Tradition's Impact
Gajanand Brahmane, state general secretary of Adiwasi Mukti Sangthan, told TOI that tasks which may take an individual 15 to 20 days are completed in just a day or two when the entire village participates. "Recently, in Sendhwa region, villagers rebuilt a house that was destroyed in a fire within a short time through Dhas. It is a very old tradition," he said.
Barwani-based historian and former vice-chancellor of Awadhesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa, Shivnarayan Yadav, highlighted that this tradition is especially beneficial during the sowing season, as simultaneous sowing results in uniform crop quality. "The same tradition is also followed during harvesting and even in house construction activities. The spirit of collective cooperation is an ancient tradition among tribal communities and reflects mutual goodwill, harmony, and support for one another," Yadav explained.
This enduring practice not only addresses practical needs but also strengthens social bonds, showcasing how traditional values continue to foster resilience and unity in modern times.
