The Malyabanta festival is observed tentatively from November 21 to 25 for five days in Koraput town. 61 per cent of the district’s population is tribals. The winter festival which is held basically after harvest, celebrate the innocent and colourful life of the aboriginal tribes.
The undivided Koraput district comprised Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Rayagada districts. The tribals from Chhatisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, including those from Kalahandi, join the festival with great fun and frolic.
The tribals found in the region are Kondh, Bhottada, Bhumia, Didayi, Gond, Jotapu, Omanaty, Paraja and Saura. There are other types and sub- types of different tribal races who have a common belief that the holy river Pongam supports their family for their prosperity.
lord Jagannath is worshiped in the water of the river and then a procession starts from the Jagannath temple. During the time a pallishree mela is organised, where the district’s major cultural diversity, besides its flora and fauna, are displayed.
The undivided Koraput and Kalahandi districts and adjoining Chhatishgarh and Andhra Pradesh have many things in common. They form a common region with many similarities so far as their ecology, culture and ethnicity are concerned.
The traditional rituals of tribals of this region are by and large same. The tribal priests perform all the professional tasks with respect to the ritual practices. In Odisha almost all goddesses are worshipped by tribal priests and in some cases the gods are also worshiped by the tribal priests. lord Jagannath is worshiped by the tribals.
The Koraput hill range spreads over Malkanagiri and Nabarangpur districts. The region is known as Sabar Kshetra. Every Adibasi believes here that the whole universe originates from the Sabar Kshetra and they are the first creation of human beings of the lord of the universe. The beliefs match with the big bang theory of the modern scientists as every aboriginal believes the presence of the almighty in each and every particle of the universe. After worshiping lord Jagannath with holy water of river, the Malyabant festival starts from the Jagannath temple in Koraput and continues for five days. All kinds of handicraft items not only of Koraput district but from the Eastern Ghat States are also displayed. All types of herbal medicines and articles required for every day home usages are also made available here.
Koraput district is very famous for handicrafts like hand woven garments, wood carved articles and other home made products which are highly attractive. The Adivashi ladies and gents putting on new dresses dance and enjoy together during the festival. Odisha has 62 types of tribes and every type has its own mode and style of living. As far as practicable, every tribal culture should be protected and promoted by the Tourism and Culture Department. The Government should provide necessary financial assistance for infrastructural development and promotion of the art and culture of the tribals.
There are several tribal races of Koraput region whose population is getting drastically reduced due climate change and improper nutrition and healthcare. The change in climate and low productivities of non-irrigated hill tracts of Eastern Ghat region compels the indigenous tribes to suffer. The Governmental agencies working in the tribal lands should take note of it.
The tribals of Koraput generally use the Salapa which is an alcoholic drink. They also produce wine from Khajuri and palm trees. But the most popular drink of the tribals is the handia which is made from rice and other herbs. This rice beer is consumed at all times by the tribals.
The tribals love and respect the nature the most. The denudation of forests due to mining and industrial activities has been highly painful to them. These tribals also face a threat to their very existence due to the wanton destruction of the forests. Due to non-availability of forest resources, the tribals are not able to prepare drinks and hence are consuming spurious drinks resulting in deaths.
The tribals are very honest and straightforward. They never speak a lie or steal other’s property or beg and commit suicide for any reason. No greedy people are seen in the tribal land, but they become the victims of economic exploitations.
The Malkangiri and Machhakund area supports very rich biodiversities. Due to various types of developmental activities, the natural flora and fauna of the region are under threat. The presence of flora and fauna of the region supports diversities of culture. Palm, Salapa and Khajuri trees should be planted in the tribal land. Besides, fruit bearing trees like Mahua, Char, tamarind, mango, jack fruit, Karanja, Neem, Kustum, Ambada, and Anona (sitaphala) etc should be planted in the tribal belt so as to provide them a better habitat and preserve their unique habits.
The State Government should encourage all the tribal races of Odisha to maintain their own culture and traditions in their own land within the abode of nature. The manufacture of traditional dresses and weapons is part of their life and culture. The Government as well as NGOs should come forward to encourage every tribal group to practice and carry forward their cultural trades.
The river systems like Rushikulya, Nagavali, Kolab- Sabari and Indravati which have originated from Eastern Ghat hill ranges and enriched the flora and fauna of the region and glorify the scenic views of the tribal landscapes with a number of springs and waterfalls should be maintained to support the vividness of tribal culture and life.
(The writer is a former senior
forest officer and an environmentalist. Tel no 9937460649)