Belongs To: Gujarat, Morvi and Kutch in Saurashtra.
Popular Festivals: Satam, Atam, Krishna Janmashtami, Diwali and Holi
There is a belief that the Ahir tribe came from Sind to Gujarat and they were settled as cultivators in Morbi and Kutch in Saurashtra. At this place they mixed up with the other different tribes. In Ahir tribes, men and women usually wear Kehdiyun and baggy trousers, both with the combination of white loosely head cloth. Generally Ahir tribal women wear Rabaris, and heavy silver ring. The children of this tribe dress with bright topis, and decorate by the mirrors. These cloths are very common in Pakistan. In Diwali season, the Ahir leave their cattle on the streets to dine with another local community.
The Ahir tribal are offshoot of Lord Krishna, and they lived in Gokul many years ago. During that time, they were largely spread on the north-western and north India. The Machhoya, the Sorathia, the Prantharia and the Boureecha are the major types of Ahir. These communities are of people who sell ghee and milk. Some of their people are adopted occupation such as salt manufacture and transport. Ahir tribe believes in worshiping God and Goddesses. Their festivals are related to the Gods, and they worship them in the way of dance, Pujas, songs, Nritya and scriptures which called as great Mantras’ and Sangeet. They practice their folk instruments and music and dance to express their emotion through rhythm.
Ahir tribe performs different styles of Dandiya Raas such as reverse, steps and body, forwards and turning movements. To the very famous Navratri Festival, Garbi and Garbo folk dances are related to this festival. Ladies of this tribe dances Garbo and in the act men also join them sometimes and men of Ahir tribe act Garbi songs and some moves in measurable amount. There are no variety in dance of Garbi and Raas and it is mostly done on the festival day like Ekadashi, Janmashtami. As per the changing season, the folk festivals relates with it. Cuisines of this Ahir tribe have Gheo, Rotla, Saag, Chaas, Bajra Rotla etc. In the Ahir tribes’ meal Khichadi, Kadhi are to be included. Their wedding cuisine or ‘ Lagan nu Bhonu’ meal serves you Ganthia, Peda, Mohanthal, Laddoo and Puri. In the occasions of marriages, Nirvona Ahir contains Lapsi, Saag, Mug Khichdi, Bajrarotla, and Dal, Bhat.
Ahir tribes worship God Naag; it is the oldest God from the Vedic times. They believe in Kuldevtas and Kuldevis. Bhujang God of Bhuj is one thousand years old. They also worship Vishnu, Shiva and Brahmanic Pantheon. Ahir tribes also believe in Mekan Dada of Akhada and Krishna near Vithon.
