My first collodion travel took me to the eastern Indian state of Orissa (now Odisha), a region often overlooked by mainstream tourism but rich in tribal cultures that have thrived for millennia. Here, in the dense forests and rolling hills, I sought out communities that have maintained their unique identities despite the pressures of modernization. What I discovered was a vibrant tapestry of traditions, each woven with distinct customs, languages, and spiritual beliefs.

Gadaba – Known for their distinctive attire and vibrant dances, the Gadaba women are easily recognizable by their colorful, handwoven textiles called kerang. These short, striped skirts are a symbol of their cultural identity and are worn with pride during festivals and ceremonies. During my visit, I witnessed the Dhemsa dance, a mesmerizing performance where women move in rhythmic unison, their heavy jewelry jingling with each step. The Gadaba are skilled artisans, crafting intricate bamboo baskets and ornaments that reflect their close relationship with the forest. Their traditional social structure is based on clan affiliations, with each clan having its own deities and customs.

Desia Kondh – The Desia Kondh, residing in the remote hills of Orissa, are known for their deep connection to nature and their unique agricultural practices. They practice shifting cultivation (podu chasa), a sustainable method of farming that allows the land to regenerate over time. The Kondh are also skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on the forest for their sustenance and medicinal needs. Their traditional religion revolves around the worship of nature spirits and ancestors, with elaborate rituals performed to ensure a bountiful harvest and the well-being of the community. I was particularly moved by their Meriah festival, a celebration of fertility and renewal that involves animal sacrifices and communal feasting.

Lanjia Saura – The Lanjia Saura, also known as the “painted people,” are renowned for their distinctive wall paintings called ikons or iditals. These intricate artworks, created with natural dyes and depicting scenes from their daily life and mythology, adorn the walls of their homes and serve as a form of visual storytelling. The Saura are skilled farmers, cultivating rice, vegetables, and pulses on terraced hillsides. Their social structure is based on a complex system of kinship and clan affiliations, with each clan having its own territory and customs. I was fascinated by their traditional healing practices, which involve the use of herbal remedies and shamanic rituals to cure illnesses and ward off evil spirits. The Lanjia Saura’s deep respect for nature and their unique artistic traditions make them one of Orissa’s most captivating tribal communities.