Koraput - Adivasi Identity

Adivasi Identity

This district is a part of the tribal belt in southern Orissa. As the word 'tribal' often denotes a negative connotation, the indigenous people here prefer to be known as 'Adivasis' meaning 'original inhabitants'. Most of the area was under thick forest cover until a few years ago. Many adivasi communities live in this district. Largely due to deforestation, industrialization and urbanization these communities have almost come to modernity and are adopting new ways of life. However, on any Sunday one can see the adivasis selling their products (vegetables and fruits of organic origin) in Sunday markets popularly known as HAT PODA. Tha hat poda or the 'haat' plays an important role in maintaining Adivasi identity. In the month of November (2nd-3rd week), a famous festival of tribals, organised by the district administration DONGAR FESTIVAL or PARAB is being organised every year to showcase the life of adivasis. In reality, one could see the Adivasis being paraded as 'museum specimens' for the sake of the voyeuristic tourist. Many foreign tourists also visit this place to witness this festival. The adivasi languages, culture and traditional knowledge are closely connected with their ecosystem