Hovari

Hovari is a small village situated in the Chhindwara district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It lies within the Vindhya range, at an elevation of approximately 400 metres above sea level, and is surrounded by hilly terrain and deciduous forest patches. The village is part of the Khajuraho administrative block and falls under the jurisdiction of the Panna district panchayat system.

According to the most recent census data released in 2011, Hovari had a population of 1,245 residents comprising roughly 240 households. The demographic composition is predominantly Hindu, with a small minority of scheduled caste and tribal communities. The local language is Hindi, while the regional dialect of Malvi is also widely spoken.

Agriculture is the primary economic activity in Hovari. Farmers cultivate a mix of crops including wheat, mustard, and pulses during the winter season, while summer months are devoted to paddy and sugarcane. Irrigation is largely dependent on monsoon rainfall, supplemented by a small network of tube wells and a nearby canal system that serves the surrounding villages. In recent years, some households have adopted terraced farming methods to adapt to the hilly landscape, improving water retention and reducing soil erosion.

Infrastructure in the village is modest but functional. A primary school caters to children up to the 8th standard, and a community health centre offers basic medical services. Electricity, drinking water, and road access have been gradually improved through government rural development schemes, although some residents still rely on off-grid solar panels for nighttime power.

Culturally, Hovari hosts an annual festival in celebration of the goddess Durga, during which villagers gather at the central temple to perform rituals, offer prayers, and exchange communal meals. Traditional music and folk dances are integral components of the festivities, fostering a strong sense of community identity among the residents.