Ghotul: The Muria Youth Commune Where Love, Learning, and Freedom Coexist

Imagine a place where teenagers are trusted with freedom, guided with care, and taught about love, responsibility, and culture — not through rules or lectures, but through lived experience. Sounds unusual? In the forests of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, it’s a tradition.

Welcome to the Ghotul — a unique youth dormitory system practised by the Muria Gonds, a sub-group of India’s ancient Gond tribal community. Far from being just a sleeping space, the ghotul is a vibrant hub where unmarried boys and girls gather each evening to sing, dance, learn community values, and grow into adulthood with dignity and mutual respect.

It’s not just a custom — it’s a philosophy. And it continues to fascinate, challenge norms, and offer lessons the modern world is only beginning to understand.

A Space Made by the Youth, for the Youth

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At first glance, a ghotul looks like a simple village dormitory. But as night falls, it transforms into a vibrant hub. Young boys, known as Cheliks, and girls, called Motiyaris, gather here with their instruments, mats, and a whole lot of youthful energy.

Drums begin to beat, traditional songs fill the air, playful teasing begins, and slowly the courtyard comes alive. But it’s not just fun and games — here, the youth learn responsibility, cooperation, discipline, and most importantly, respect.

There are leaders too. The Sardar(head boy) and Belosa(head girl) make sure everything runs smoothly — from cleaning to rituals, from maintaining discipline to guiding younger members.

Love, But With Consent and Culture

One of the most fascinating parts of ghotul life is the open acceptance of companionship. Boys and girls are allowed to form bonds, express affection, and even explore relationships — something that still remains a taboo topic in many parts of the country.

The rules? Everything happens with mutual consent, honesty, and community guidance. No hiding, no guilt — just a respectful understanding of human emotions and growing up. If a couple decides to take things seriously, there are traditional customs to mark the commitment, sometimes even leading to marriage.

What’s beautiful is that this system doesn’t shame or isolate anyone. Even children born out of wedlock or separated couples are welcomed — because for the Muria, humanity comes first.

A School Without Blackboards

Forget textbooks — the ghotul is where Muria youth learn their real syllabus. From dance and music to folk tales and community service, everything is taught orally, with love and tradition.

They also take part in village events — weddings, funerals, harvest festivals, and rituals — becoming pillars of their culture from a young age. This hands-on learning helps the younger generation stay deeply rooted, even as the world changes around them.

Not Just a Custom, But a Sacred Space

The ghotul isn't just a social set-up — it's spiritual. According to legend, it was started by Lingo Pen, the divine ancestor of the Muria people. He gifted the ghotul as a place for the youth to blossom — emotionally, culturally, and socially.

That’s why every activity here — be it a drumbeat or a dance — has meaning. It’s not just tradition; it’s a way of keeping their soul alive.

Facing Judgement, But Standing Strong

To many outsiders, ghotul might seem “too liberal” or even “inappropriate”. But that’s only because it breaks away from mainstream ideas of morality. In truth, it’s a space of freedom, structure, and deep-rooted values.

Of course, the tradition is under pressure today. Urbanisation, modern schooling, religious influences, and changing attitudes have caused some ghotuls to disappear. But wherever they still exist, they continue to empower Muria youth and protect their identity.

Why Ghotul Still Matters Today

• It teaches consent and body awareness from a young age, in a safe and respectful space.

• It preserves oral history — songs, stories, and rituals that aren’t found in books.

• It encourages equality, with boys and girls sharing responsibility, power, and decision-making.

• It builds community spirit, preparing youth to take on social roles with confidence.

Ghotul Goes Global: A Tradition Inspires a Film

Ghotul is not just a dormitory — it’s a philosophy. A place where the drumbeat of culture meets the heartbeat of youth. Where stories are whispered under starlit skies, where love is honest, and learning is for life.

Now, this age-old tribal tradition is inspiring a global conversation. On the International Day of the Girl Child, UNAIDS released a short film titled Ghotul — a 12-minute cinematic tribute to the Gond Muria practice of guiding adolescents through open, respectful discussions on love, intimacy, and responsibility. Directed by Shashanka 'Bob' Chaturvedi, written by Shruti Johri, and conceptualised by Swati Bhattacharya, the film brings this indigenous wisdom to modern audiences. With powerful performances by Indira Tiwari and Puja Kulay, and stunning visuals by award-winning cinematographer Tassaduq Hussain (of Omkaraand Kamineyfame), Ghotul breaks the silence that surrounds sexuality and girlhood in India.

By honouring a tradition where conversations aren't silenced but nurtured with dignity, the film reminds us that indigenous knowledge has long held space for gender equality, consent, and agency. As UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has been reported saying, "By knowing the facts and educating young people about their sexual health, we can help them feel safe and stay safe."

In a world full of rules and restrictions, the Muria Gonds have shown that when you trust your youth, they rise to the occasion — with dignity, joy, and a strong sense of self. One night at the ghotul, and you’ll know: sometimes, tradition can be the most radical act of all.