Orissa is extremely popular for being a treat to cultural aficionados. Tribal festivals in Orissa are an important part of its culture. This coastal state is home as many as 62 tribes. The tribes in Orissa have their own festivals, which mainly run around Mother Nature. As these people are very close to nature, they consider it important to thank her for what she is giving to them.
Orissa Tribal festivals are a carnival of togetherness and strong bond between their communities. These fairs and festivals offer a wonderful sneak-peek into their lives and traditions. Most of such festivals are celebrated on the event of change of season in relation to harvesting of crops. Some festivals have religious importance, dedicated to local gods and goddess.
Some of the most popular tribal festivals in Orissa are the Folk Dance Festival at Sambalpur (January), week-long Tribal Fair at Bhubaneswar that starts on 26th January, the Chhow Festival at Baripada (April), and the Tribal Festival at Koraput (November).
In the same manner as the other Indian festivals, Orissa tribal fairs and festivals are a treat for all our senses. However, all the festivals are not celebrated by all the tribes. Folk songs, music and dance is the common feature of all the festivals. Another important highlight of these festivals is finger-licking food.
Visit Orissa at the time of these festivals and get to know about the traditional customs, food, music and clothes of the tribal people. Though the Orissa tribes are away from civilization but they prove to be great hosts.
