Sitha Khanda Tribe

Sitha Khanda tribes of Orissa arduously follow the religion of Christianity and also speak in language of the same name

Orissa  state is a holy abode of quite a lot of tribal communities, which are quite ennobled in their culture and tradition. In fact in the state, these Sitha Kandha tribes mainly throng places like Phulbani, Koraput  etc. Huge conglomeration is found in the Udayagiri area of the Ganjam district. The mother tongue of these tribes is Sitha Kandha , which is quite different from other languages that are prevalent here .

It belongs to the Dravidian language family. Some of the anthropologists` even love to refer this language in their alternative names like Kandh, Kondhi , Khond, Khondo, Kanda, Kodu , Kodulu, Kuinga, Kuy etc. Several dialects, namely, Khondi, Gumsai , too are widely spoken by these Sitha Kandha tribal populace.

Most of these Sitha Kandha tribes follow Christianity. In fact all the festivals, rites and customs related to this religion are being feted in proper spirit and enthusiasm. Apart from Christianity, some of the Sitha Kandha tribes too follow the customs and rites of their local religion.

Paroja Tribe

These Paroja tribes have a plethora of `totemistic septs`, which they revere as well as protect them with their life

The state of Orissa  of India is one of the states of Indian Territory, which provides shelter to quite a large number of tribal populace. Paroja is quite significant amongst them. These Paroja tribes are noted for the cultural and social heritage that they have maintained over the years. No external influences have been able to bring about any change in their characteristics.

As per the observation of the eminent anthropologists of India, maximum of these Paroja tribes are concentrated in various regions of the state including Jeypore, Kundali, Nandapur, Jeypore. Umeros Paroja tribes are also found in Koraput district. However, the people also call these paroja in different names like Paraja or Parja. Etymologically, the word has been taken from another word in Sanskrit, namely, Parja which means a subject.

Paroja Tribe There is a popular saying about the origination of these Paroja tribal communities. These Paroja tribes have got their ancestral home in the Baster region, from where they have came down. Nowadays these {Paroja tribes are sharing space with all the other tribes like Gadaba, Paik, Mali. Not only these Paroja tribes live together, they maintain a very cordial relation with these tribes.

What is also interesting is that these Paroja tribes have a belief on several `totemistic septs`. These include Bagh (Tiger), Kachhim (Tortoise), Bokda (Boat) etc. The practice is prevalent where the Paroja tribes are being prohibited from murdering or giving about any kind of harm or even devoured. In fact these Paroja tribal communities follow quite a few rites and rituals thus showing respect to the clan totems.

The cultural exuberance is rightly been depicted in the way these Paroja tribes dress up. The attires of both male and female are colorful. Women folks of these Paroja tribal communities wear beautiful ornaments thereby enhancing their beauty. Nose rings and hairs clips are used by Paroja women. The male Paroja tribes have the habit of wearing earrings.

Jatapu Tribe

Jatapu tribes are agrarian people and most of them converse in Telegu language.

Jatapu tribes are the inhabitants of central India and apart from Orissa, some of these groups are settled in several districts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The history of Jatapu tribal people is still not known. The language of this tribal people is called Jatapu but most of the people of this tribal community use Telegu language. Some are also well conversant in Oriya language as well. Even the Jatapu tribes can speak in various Oriya dialects.

Jatapu tribal people are basically agrarian people but some are also engaged as forest labourers, collecting and selling forest products. They grow chilies, peas, beans etc in their field. Their staple food is rice. Some earn their livelihood by selling products of pottery and other artifacts. People of this tribal community prepare baskets, earthen pots, bangles etc for their economic betterment.

The society of the Jatapu tribal community is patrilineal and the women engage themselves in household works. The houses of the tribal community are made of mud and the roofs are thatched. Some of them have possessions of cattle. Marriages are considered as a social custom and marriage in the same clan is strictly prohibited.

The culture of these Jatapu tribes too is based on several elements of dance, music, folklores and social customs and beliefs. Jatapu tribal community is basically the followers of Hindu religion. They worship a number of gods and goddesses. Jakeramma is said to be their native god and sometimes animal sacrifices are also made to conciliate the god. The Jatapu people, especially the women are very fond of ornaments and these ornaments play a major part of their costumes. They do their hair ornamentation with black tassels and also wear bangle, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and nose rings.