Tag: tribals

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Central India Culture Tribal

This is what you donot know about Baiga Tribe

India is a home to many tribes and Baiga is a tribe found Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh. With its population of about 250000, they live in thick woodland areas. In Madhya Pradesh, they are spread over in Mandla, Dindori, Shahadol, Balaghat and Umaria. we find tribal life quite interesting as their lives are free from the materialism that has been rotting this world. Baiga Tribe was a source of curiosity for me so we hunted down some information. Here are some interesting facts about Baiga Tribe:

Simple life: Baigas believe themselves to be heirs of the earth and rulers of woodlands. Yet still, they live a simple and straightforward life. Their homes are not adorned; they do not wear any ornaments. It is truly a simple way of living.

Tattooing: Tattoos make up a huge part of their culture. Baiga women have every body part tattooed with big elaborate figures. Upon asking, they revealed that this art has been passed down to Badi-Badanin group who do the tattoo work. They know the types of tattoos demanded by each tribe and have learnt the art from their mothers and would surely pass it down to further generations as well.

Shifting cultivation: The people of Baiga tribe never plough the field as they believe it would be similar to hurting the breast of their mother. They do not plant crops on the same patch again to give mother earth time to replenish the energy. Baigas practice ‘Swidden’ agriculture and it is known to be an effective device for conservation.

Laborer: The hunters and woodsmen of Baiga tribe considered themselves as people of the forest who lived there, survived on the produce of the forest. As such, they refused to work for the government or any other person as it would reduce them to the level of a laborer.

Coarse food: Baiga eat food in coarse form like coarse grain. They also eat little flour and drink pej. Pej is made from grounding macca or water left after boiling rice. They also find food from the forests and eat Peepal, Gular leaves etc. Some fruits such asJamun, Tendu mangoes and delicacies like mushrooms also form part of their diet.

Eviction: These tribes have suffered from threats and they have even been forcibly evicted by Indian authorities since 1960s. The main reason given is to protect the wildlife and tiger populations but as a result, these communities become a victim. They get displaced and we must understand the plight of these traditional tribes of our country.

Hunting: They mostly hunt fish and small animals for food. Their impact on wildlife is not as troublesome as some people make it out to be.

Language: Though most Baigas interact with outsiders in Hindi and they have also picked up few local languages. Among them, they talk in a language called ‘Baigani’. It takes its style from Chattisgarhi and is also influenced by Gondi language and mostly the tribesmen from Mandla district have adopted it as a language.

These tribesmen and women of Baiga tribe practice semi-nomadic culture and we must pay attention towards preserving these cultures as they make an important part of our diverse country. Our country is a secular one as such everyone is allowed total freedom. It is not right to forcibly evict these tribes from their homelands. Even though, incentives are provided like that of money and alternate land, these often turn out to be lies and the tribes end up with nothing even after losing their territories.

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Central India Rejoice Tribal

Gond Paintings and Its Intracacies

India is a land of rich culture and heritage. Several art forms are still lesser known to the outer world. Gond art is such art form, which is fondly practiced by Gond tribes from Madhya Pradesh.

Primarily, the word Gond originates from the Dravidian expression kond meaning ‘the green mountain’. This art form primarily depicts the colors of nature along with the everyday quest for life. Through Gond paintings, the Gonds primarily depicts the celebrations, human relationship etc. They are usually inspired from the belief that happy images bring good luck to their family and hence they paint their walls with vivid colorful images that relates to stories. The artists use series of dots, dashes and lines arranged meticulously to depict the story. They are very careful while adding those lines and dashes and convey the sense if movement to these paintings.

What is more beautiful with this story telling art is the vividity of colors. Gonds use bright colors like white, blues, red, yellow etc. and all of them are derived naturally from plants, soil, charcoal and even cow dung. Though government is helping out these artists by recognizing them on global level and helping this art to reach to their fans.

Thank you Singinawa Lodge for giving me opportunity to explore this vibrant art.

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Central India Travel Trends wildlife

Things can be done while at Kanha National Reserve

Madhya Pradesh is the king of jungles, and when it comes to tiger spotting, Kanha is most popular amogst wild-life photographers. However, it is not tigers that this reserve is famous for, there are other activities, in which one can indulge themselves for an overall wilderness experience. The post pens down the things that can be done while at Kanha National Reserve.

Safari at Kanha National Park: The dense Sal forests at Kanha preserves the whole different world for city buzzlers like us. This world is the abode of wildlife in its purest form. During the safari to any of four zones at Kanha you can feel the peaceful co-existence of wildlife and nature. As you pass through these roads, those bed time jungle stories seems to be real to you. Jackal, Tigers, Spotted dears can be seen roaming and chatting.

Cycling in the Buffer zone: There is a well- marked 7 Km trail that start from Khatiya Gate and goes till edge of the park. It is apparently the buffer zone, where-in you may encounter tigers sometimes, but overall morning cycling keeps you fit and make you feel fresh.

Interaction with Baiga Tribes: One can go to the near-by villages in Mandla District. Most common tribe in the region is Baiga tribe, which are famous for their tattoo art. A quick interaction with them gives you insight about their culture, their traditions, and way of living. Not to miss they are always eager to offer you their signature home-made drink called Mahua.

Learn Gond Painting: Gonds are one of the largest tribes that dwells in these lush green jungles. While you are roaming around at Kanha, spending time with Gonds and learning their famous paintings should also be a part of your itineraries. The vividity of colors being used to reflect the celebration of nature is indeed remarkable.

Birding: Kanha National Reserve offers one of the best avian beauty to its visitors. Reserve is the house of more than 300+ species due its tropical climate. torks, teals, pintails, herons and egrets, Jungle fowl, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo. Racket Tailed Drongo, Twany Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Grey Francolin, Painted Francolin, Black Naped Flycatcher,Common Iora, Eurasian Blackbird, Gold Mantled Chloropsis, Jerdon’s Leaf Bird, Golden Oriole, Black Hooded Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Asian Brown Flycatcher are few to name though.

Don’t get disappointed, if you don’t spot tiger, because reserve has much more than just tiger or leopard sightings. Moreover, The entire journey to the Kanha Reserve is way too enticing and is fresh air in the hustle bustle life.

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Culture Rejoice South India

Tyrst with Lambani’s tribe in Dandeli

Lambani’s are the nomadic gypsies from Rajasthan, but eventually I met them in Dandeli village in Karnataka during my quest to meet these tribals. These folks have distributed themselves across India in their search of better livelihood. Though with different government policies, many of them have found o good jobs, but still a part of them still follows the old tradition where-in males are involved in agriculture while females are into wood collection and managing household.

During my brief interaction with these folks, the most striking feature I liked was their ethnic unique dress. This red heavily dress with all over work with metal along with accessories look fabulous. Be it anklets, jewelries, necklaces, all of them cost little high and this is this is why, one might not find many women in the traditional dresses. One more thing, that would strike you is the tattoos on both men and women arms and ankles. These tattoos have special significance attached and hold meanings. Women here are amazing cook and their signature drink is Arak. These Araks are popular especially during festivals. Old females miss the old culture and don’t like the way their community members are adopting western culture and city life. They still would want their community members to preserve their traditions, and this is why they recommend marriages within the community itself. It is a colorful affair with loads of dance, food and fun. Traditional songs for the well being of couple are being sung by old ladies of the tribe.

My special thanks to the organizers, so that I could spend some time with them and experience other side of these tribals. Dandeli is a great place to interact with tribals like Lambanis,Gowlis,or Medars. Do not miss the opportunity, during your next visit to the place.

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Central India Festival Rejuvenate Travel Trends Tribal Western Ghats

Gowli Tribe: Herders of Dandeli

The place is primarily known for water sports especially river rafting in river Kali. It is a paradise for birdwatchers that keep themselves in thick deciduous forests. However, very few people are aware that these forests are inhabited by the tribes, who have a little world of their own in these jungles. During one of my trips to Dandeli, I got the chance to spend time with these folks and learn about their cultures. This post is about my experience with Gowli Tribe, as they celebrate Vijayadashami, one of the famous festivals in India marking the triumph of good over evil.
Apparently, Gowlis is a pastoral community found in the states of Goa & Maharastra. Gowlis of Dandeli has their strong roots from lord Krishna community of Yadavas, whose major occupation is animal herding and selling milk in the surrounding areas. They are Hindus by religion and make sure, their religious ceremonies, traditions remain undiluted.

They celebrate Vijayadashami 2 days later the usual dates. Preparations start a week before and festivity takes place at the “Mukhiya’s” house, which also performs the festivity on the D-day and guides the people of tribes.  Cow Urine is considered to be sacred and all the goddesses etc are washed with the same. House is decorated with the paper cuttings created by the females and kids around.

Even though the Government is making an attempt to bring them out of the jungles and providing them basic education, so that they can be part of the crowd, but it seems they are happy being the Gowlis and have no regrets in life. They live each moment with passion and are absolutely non-complaining. These folks  are extremely nice  and hospitable to the guests

 

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Adventure Relax Travel Trends Tribal wildlife

6 To-Do’s at Dandeli

Dandeli, is a small river side town in North West Karnataka is very popular with tourists from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. The modern town on the river is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where one can spot rare animals and birds, roam in deep valleys and hilly terrain. It is around 4 Hr. drive from Goa Dabolim airport and the road trip from Goa to Dandeli is very scenic. Though place is famous for white water rafting and tree-houses, but apart from the same, there are few must to do’s at the place.
Kayaking on the Kali River
If you are white water lover and want to be high on water sports, then kayaking on the Kali river can offer lot to you. Options available are from class 4 rapids for professionals to calmer beds for beginners.

Rafting on the rapids of the Kali River 

River Rafting are a great team activity and the class 4 rapids on the Kali offer the perfect group getaway. There are half day or full day options and the river has water for most time of the year as the dam above the river is opened every morning to generate electricity.

Bird watching at old magazine house resort 

The place is always surrounded by variety of birds and is heaven for bird watchers. At any season, you can find their naturalists spotting more than 150 different birds a day. Place is famous for hornbills but if you are true birder, this place is must for you in the list. It is surrounded by birds endemic to Western Ghats. If lucky, one can spot rare birds too.

Visit some of the unique tribes of Dandeli
One must always feel the locals and engage themselves with their lifestyle. Spending time with them gives the tourists true flavor of the place. Dandeli offers four different tribal experiences. There is famous Lambani tribe, who comes are nomad in nature. Then, there is the very famous Siddi tribe, who are people of African origin and who were brought to India as slaves. Then, there are the Gowli tribes who manage cattle and earn their living by selling milk and milk products. There is Medar tribe who works in the forest and is bamboo craft artisans.

Watch the sunset from Ganeshgudi Hill
Ganeshgudi hill can be reached after hiking for 40 minutes from Old magazine house. Usually they have their groups going for hiking around 4 PM in evening. From the top of hill, one can witness the conglomeration of 4 beautiful rivers and the view as sun sets down is beautiful. During hiking, if lucky, one can spot wild sloth bear and other small birds and natural flora and fauna. Sitting and waiting for sun to set at the hilltop is photographer’s paradise.

Taking a coracle boat ride on the Kali
If you are not a water sport fan, but still want to experience Kali River, one can take a ride in coracle boat. Options available are for half an hour to one hour. During ride, one can spot crocodiles basking in sun and hornbills. The ride in itself is very scenic with trees around.
Whenever you are going Goa, do make sure to add 3 more days to visit this beautiful but silent place called Dandeli, which will let you lost in the wilderness.

Why not plan a vacation to this beautiful gateway Dandeli. Thank you for the wonderful stay team Dandeli. They can be contacted at +919483940400

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