Considered to be one of the fastest-growing, and lucrative businesses in India, tourism occupies a key position in Indian economy. There are umpteen numbers of states and places that have and are still attaining excellence each day in the realm of tourism. One of the offshoots of tourism is Tribal Tourism. This is relatively a new concept, but spreading quite extensively. As India houses several hundreds of tribes across the nation, yet, due to dearth in exposure and knowledge, attaining information about them is a far cry. Hence, to know more about the true culture and tradition of these ethnic groups, Tribal Tourism is a clever tool, as it allows the tourist to step out of their comfort zone and expose themselves to a lifestyle that is mostly unheard of.
Odisha, a state of diversity in the eastern horizon is also home to many a tribe, all distinct in themselves, yet connected by the string of Tribal Tourism. Many opine that development of ecotourism that facilitates the development of villages, in turn facilitates the development of Tribal Tourism. Perhaps the opinion is correct in many respects, for development of these smaller villages’ leads to the development of the inhabitants who are majorly tribes of the state. So, a well chalked out layout for the promotion of Eco Tourism, clubbed with the hospitality provided to the visitors will invariably lead to well-developed Tribal Tourism.
In the succeeding paragraphs, let us know about the overall Tribal life in Odisha, along with knowing about some of the major tribes in Odisha.
According to reports, there are more than 60 tribes (approx.) in Odisha. However, the key ones that are known constitute, Kondha, Bonda, Gadaba, Soura, and Koya. Let us study the lifestyle of these tribes in a nutshell.
These people belonging to the Kondha tribe constitute the largest tribal population of Orissa. They are also recognized by the name, Kui, their language being this. There is no written script for their language. This group is further sub divided into smaller groups; one prominent subgroup is the Maliah group. There is though very little difference in the language that they speak with slight changes in their dialect. Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh are yet other famous sub groups. The Kondhas are of Dravidian origin.They have also earned disgrace from the civilized society because of their ancient practice of human sacrifice.
Zone
Niyamgiri Hills form the habitat of this tribe. The hills, forests, streams, and the many elements of Nature form integral part of their existence. The maintenance of this ecosystem is vital for the existence and livelihood of the Kondhas. They are found in the Koraput and Kandhamal districts.
Worship, Ritual, and Tradition
The elements of Nature are not just gift of Nature for this tribe, but they form the deities of worship. As for instance, ‘Niyam Raja’, or the ‘Lawgiver’ is one of the supreme deities, who is represented by the highest hill of the Niyamgiri Hills. They also worship the other mountains known by the name of ‘Dongar’, and they also worship Mother Earth, known by the name of ‘Dharini’. These deities grant the Kondhas prosperity, health, wealth, and fertility. Maic in both its forms, black and white are practised. Chitra Parab and Kedu are two chief festivals of this tribe.
Attire and Jewellery
Tattooing is a common practice amongst them, and face tattoos are extremely famous cultural practice. Men sport a loin cloth and women wear a two piece attire; one from the waist to the knees, and the other for the upper part of the body. The Kondha women are fond of wearing jewellery. Headgears, wrist lets, ear-rings, hair pins, nose-rings, are some of the ornaments that they are fond of. Men also grow their hair long and tie it into a bun or a knot.
Art and Craft
Mountains are the lifeline of this tribe. The shape is portrayed in huts, fabric, and ornaments.
Food
Agriculture is a prime activity of the Kondhas. They produce almost all major crops which are sold in the local markets.
Unlike being aggressive and hostile, these people of the Gadaba tribe have garnered respect because of their superior hospitality and mild behaviour. In fact their architectural designs of the huts that they construct bear immense resemblance to the area. The local language is Gutub which has undergone several modifications over the years.
Zone
In the southern stretches of the Koraput district of Orissa, are housed one of the oldest tribes, known by the name of Gadaba. The ancestral origin of the Gadabas can be traced back in the Vindhya mountain ranges. It is assumed that their ancestors migrated from several places including that of the banks of the Godavari River.
Food
Like many other tribes, this tribe is also an agrarian one and devotes time to agriculture, along with animal rearing. Milking animals like cow is strictly prohibited by them, though sacrificing is never averted. Domesticating animals is a common practice. They are great hunters. Pej is a favourite amongst Gadabas. Pendam, their local liquor is considered sacred.
Worship, Ritual, and Tradition
Vanadevata, or the God of the Jungles is their supreme deity along with several others. Andapana Parab and Chitra Parab are the principle festivals of this tribe. Vanadevata receives several sacrifices and in return blesses them with prosperity. This is a vital belief that they cling to.
Attire and Jewellery
Gorgeous is the word that can describe the dress sense of the Gadabas, at least of the women. The women adorn a two-piece dress that is rich in colors. The designs that are woven on these are all intricately designed. This is known as the karengi. Ornaments are elaborate with special attention to beads, hairpins, gigantic necklaces, and earrings. The men are often seen dressed only in a loin cloth called Languti.
Art and Craft
Music forms an integral part in the lives of the Gadabas. Dhimsa dance is their traditional dance, performed by the women. Drums, flutes and several musical instruments are played by the men.
They are rather infamous as one of the fiercest tribes and are of Austro-Asiatic origin. They are aggressive and savage. They are quite withdrawn and prefer living in near isolation. They are subdivided into two categories, namely, Ontal and Kilo. Barter systems still occupy a key practice amongst the Bonda. Alcohol consumption is rather high amongst the Bondas.
Zone
They reside in the mountainous terrains of the Bonda Hills in the Malkangiri district. These hills are at the confluence of the states of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Worship, Ritual, and Tradition
Patkhanda Yatra is observed as the main festival of the Bonda. Some of the primary deities of this tribe are Mahaprabhu, Sindibor, Dhartani, and Hundi. They have acute faith in. They have acute faith in witchcraft and sacrifices.
Food
Like most tribes, Bonda are also great cultivators and also rear cattle. They also produce, consume, and sell alcohol.
Art and Craft
Music is pivotal for these Odisha tribe. They have several musical instruments and group dance is a key feature. Painting is a strong representation of the artistic excellence of this tribe.
To be living one of the most primitive tribes, the Bondas aren’t too fond of elaborate clothing. They are scantily clothed yet they are ardent lovers of beaded jewellery and tattoos. However, Ringa is worn by the women folk of the tribe.
This tribe is considered as one of the most adaptable tribes, as they have acquainted themselves to the modern lifestyle in many ways, if not all. They are tribes of the forests or the jungle tribes and are sub divided. The two broad ones are Thaniya and Bhagudiya. The former are the native ones, while the latter ones are those who have migrated to other places. Their language is Kolarian.
Zone
They are found scattered in several places that include Telkoi, Harichandanpur, and Banspal. Koenjhar and Dhenkanal also have significant number of this tribe. Historically it is believed that this tribe originated by the river Baitarani in the Gonasika Hills. They are also believed to be descendants of the Savara tribe.
Food
Sajana is a very prominent plant that is consumed Attire and Jewellery: Considered by this tribe. Shifting agriculture still occupies a major place in their lives.
Worship, Ritual, and Tradition
There are numerous Gods and Goddesses who are worshiped by the Juangs, a typical culture of most tribes. Basumata and Dharma Devata are the key deities, manifestations of the Sun God and the Earth Goddess respectively. They believe in supernatural existence.
Attire and Jewellery
Well, there isn’t much that can be described about the attire of this tribe. They are very scantily clothed, mostly covered in leaves, hence the name Pattooaas. However, jewellery still hold a significant place in their attire.
Apart from these, there are several other tribes. Some of them are Saora, Koya, Santhal, Bhumia, Oraon etc. all of these tribes are significant in their own ways and strive hard to retain their unique existence.
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