Seasons & festivals

“Our boys and girls get an opportunity to set their eyes upon each other during the dance of the Dandari. They also get to interact a little before they can mutually agree to take the matter to the next step. […] As per our customs and traditions the youngsters enjoy liberty in many aspects. It is rare that a selection made during the Dandari-Ghusadi [dance festival] phase gets cancelled.” – Patel of Bandeyer Atram Sone Rao (Telangana), quoted in “Adivasis dance their way to a girl’s heart” (The Hindu, 29 October 2016)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/Adivasis-dance-their-way-to-a-girl’s-heart/article16085049.ece
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=22436

Celebrate International Mountain Day (11 December) with your community and friends preparing an event or joining the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MountainsMatter – United Nations

by

Did you know? Mountains are home to 15% of the world’s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. They provide freshwater for everyday life to half of humanity. Their conservation is a key factor for sustainable development and is part of Goal 15 of the SDGs. Unfortunately, mountains are under threat from … Read more

Video | Swang Nritya, the drama of the Sahariya tribe: Songs and dance that spread awareness about social issues like child marriage, women’s rights, the need of education – Rajasthan

by

Living amidst the forest in symphony with the ways of nature, the Sahariyas are one of the last remaining tribes of Rajasthan. This group of self sufficient people has lived all their lives without the use of modern day implements and speaks a local dialect called Haroti that is influenced by the languages of Hindi and Braj. The … Read more

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (9 August) – United Nations

by

Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures While AI can support cultural revitalization, youth empowerment, and even adaptation to climate chance, it often reinforces bias, exclusion, and misrepresentation towards Indigenous Peoples. Most AI systems are built without Indigenous input, risking the misuse of their data, knowledge, and identities. Besides, massive data centers can also impact … Read more

Bastar Dasara in Jagdalpur (July – October): Ancient customs and modernity – Chhattishgarh

by

In the heart of Bastar, where the beauty of the jungle holds sway, is a Dasara celebration unchanged by the passage of time | Read the full story and view more photos here >> She’s attired in a shocking pink sari tied till the knees, adorned with chunky armbands and anklets in silver, double nose-pins in gold, and … Read more

Learn more about tribal communities in West Bengal

by