Tribal tours: Exploring the unexplored Chhattisgarh, North East & Rajasthan

The tribal population of our country just adds another feather to the very colourful cultural hat that our country adorns. Home to a large tribal population in the world, there are a variety of truly diverse, vibrant indigenous people. The lineage and culture of these people have always been fascinating. On your next trip, make sure to include an experience with the natives of the region. Interacting with the indigenous people helps gain a understanding of our diverse history, in turn helping us understand our culture better. The space here is dedicated to providing insights on the lesser known tribes in various states so that you can plan an inclusive experiences in the coming month.

EXPLORE A TRIBAL BELT
State: Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is home to several tribal castes with Gonds of Bastar being the prominent among them. The Baiga, Korba, Abhuj Maria, BisonHorn Maria, Muria, Halbaa, Bhatra and Dhurvaa are other major tribes of the region. It is recommended you visit Kawardha Palace, 140 km from Raipur, to explore the monument and learn a lesson or two on the culture of the region. Meet the gentle and friendly Baiga people, the principal indigenous forest tribe. The experience begins to the south of Kanker; hike up the forested Keshkal Ghat, which marks the border of Bastar -home to a tribe by the same name. Visit a local market in the region to interact with the locals and understand a little about their culture.

SOAKING ETHNIC FLAVOUR
State: North East
While Northeast India is one of the most culturally diverse regions of the world as it is inhabited by more than 140 fascinating tribes. Each of these tribes has their own distinct language, cuisine, culture and tradition. Some of the prominent tribes of this region are Garo, Khasi, Jaintia, Adi, Nyishi, Angami, Bhutia, Kuki, Rengma, Bodo, Apatani, Lepchas, Ao, Mishing and Deori.

Each tribe can be identified by its unique craft, costumes, jewellery and dance form. It is recommend to travel to the northeast during a festival such as Hornbill, Bihu, Ziro or Myoko Festival.

WATCH A CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
State: Rajasthan
Kalbelia tribes, from Rajasthan, follow the lifestyle of gypsies. Traditionally their main occupation included catching of snakes and then trading their venom but they travel far and wide for work. They are easily identified by the colourful dance performance by the women of the tribe. Considered as a sensuous form of folk dance, with swirling, graceful movements that make this dance a treat to behold. Men partake by helping with music by playing instruments such as the pungi (a woodwind instrument traditionally played to capture snakes), the dufli, been, the khanjari, morchang, khuralio and the dholak to create rhythm. Explore the rich-history of Rajasthan and catch a performance to soak the culture better.

MAKE MERRY WITH THE SIDDIS
State: Gujarat
The Siddi Tribe, dwelling in the Sirvan Village of Gujarat are the lost gems of ancient Africa, left hidden away in India. As per legend, a fragment of the population was brought here by the Portuguese to serve the Nawab of Junagadh. Although, the members of the tribe retain little of their unique African heritage, the music and dance recalls the lost language and history. Most famous for the Dhamal dance, Siddis are guardians of a rich and unique musical tradition that is a truly hidden jewel of Indian indigenous culture.

LIVE IT UP LIKE THE TODA
State: Tamil Nadu
The beautiful Nilgiris, home to splendid mountain landscapes, nestles a tribe of Toda people. One of the unique characteristics is their home small halfbarrel shaped huts with a low entrance, called Dogles. Stretching across the rolling hills of green, the entrance of the homes in the hamlet are so low that one feels like they would have to crawl to get inside. The buffalo is considered sacred, hence, all milk procuring activities are considered sacrosanct. Appointing a dairyman, who will be in-charge of such activities by itself, is a traditional ritual. Their distinct dress consists a single piece of cloth, akin to a highland dress. The region of the Toda community is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site. Have you been here?

JOIN IN PICKING THE MAHUA FLOWER
State: Maharashtra
Mahua is an India tropical tree found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests. Several parts of the tree, including the bark, are used for their medicinal properties. It is considered holy by many tribal communities because of its usefulness. Tribals of North Maharashtra consider the tree and the Mahua drink as part of their cultural heritage. Its oil has emollient properties and is used in skin disease and tribals also use it as cooking oil. Mahua flowers starts falling after midnight and falling increases as temperature rises. It is, indeed a treat to watch the locals assemble under the tree at dawn, wait for soft rays sun wash the surface so that they can pick the fully bloomed flowers.