Why do Tribal Photography in India?

India is one of the best places in the world for tribal photography. The diversity of the tribes - the way they look, their traditions, their festivals are all very different and colourful. 

What is a Tribe?

A lot of people ask me, what exactly is a tribe? A tribe of group of people having a common dialect, culture, facial features, worship the same deities and they celebrate the same festivals together. A lot  of the tribal people (especially the older generation) still live in their primitive lifestyle. 

However their lifestyle is changing rapidly because of modernization. You will see many of the younger generation scrolling through Instagram reels. 

Tribal Population in India

The Government of India recognises and categorizes the tribals under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category and they make up about 8.6% of the population which is about 10.4 crore people. There are more than 730 Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Indian Constitution.

India is a heaven for people interested in tribal photography. 

1. Tribal Photography in Odisha

Odisha is home to a sizable tribal population. The tribes found there include Bondas who wear colourful beads, Dongria Kondh known for their hair clips, Desia Kondh

Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, is home to a plethora of tribal communities, each with its unique customs and traditions. The Bonda, Dongria Kondh, and Santhal tribes are some of the most prominent ones. Other tribes are Kutia Kondh, Gadaba, Mirjan.

It is home to 62 different tribal communities.

The best places for shooting the tribals are around Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh.

Though the tribes have adopted a modern way of living, many are still living their life like their ancestors did a thousand years ago. 

Art and Crafts

Most of the tribals are involved in some type of Art and Crafts. Some of them are bamboo crafts, Wood carving, bell metal casting, leaf cup and places, beads jewellery, bamboo crafts, broom, pottery, traditional painting, making baskets, date palm leaf mat weaving, etc.

 

Tribal Festivals in Odisha

All tribal people have a lot of festivals. Because of the migration to the urban and semi urban areas, many of the tribals are not able to participate in them, but most of them make it a point to be back to their villages at least once a year.

The festivals are celebrated for better yield in farming, good health, safe living, etc. They worship many gods and goddesses apart from their ancestors. The festivals have various rituals.

Most of the festivals are celebrated from after the harvest season till the onset of monsoon. The major festivals celebrated by the tribals of Odisha are Holi, Diwali, Pongal, Gamma, Karma, Ratha Yatra, Dussehra, Nuakhai, Akhi Tirtia, Kali Puja.

The festivals are colourful with a lot of folk dance, drinking, feasting and worshiping of the deities.

Best time to visit Odisha for Tribal Photography

November to March is the best time to visit. The weather is pleasant during these months. Also, some of the tribal festivals are celebrated during this time.

Key Locations: Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri districts.

What to shoot: Weekly tribal markets, traditional attire, intricate jewelry, and rituals like the Bonda’s weekly market day.

Odisha’s diverse tribes are renowned for their vibrant dress and unique customs. The Dongria Kondh women, for example, are easily identifiable by their distinctive jewelry and headgear. Photographers can also capture the mesmerizing landscapes of the Niyamgiri hills, which form a beautiful backdrop to the tribal settlements.

2. Tribal Photography in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is called the heart of tribal India. This is my second most favourite place for tribal photography in India. The Bastar region is the most interesting place famous for its rich tribal culture.

Key Locations: Areas around Bastar, Dantewada, and Jagdalpur.

What to shoot: Dussehra celebrations, traditional dance forms like Gaur Maria, and the vibrant Haats (tribal markets).

The Bastar Dussehra, is a grand tribal festival lasting 75 days, longer than anywhere else in India.. The Maria and Muria tribes’ dances, perform dances in colourful costumes is a sight to see and shoot.

3. Tribal Photography in Nagaland

Northeastern part of India is as a whole great for tribal photography. Of all the states, Nagaland is my most favourite. 

Nagaland, located in Northeast India, is known for its myriad tribes, each with its unique culture and traditions. The Hornbill Festival is a significant event where various tribes showcase their customs.

There are 14 major tribes in Nagaland. They reside in quaint villages amid breathtaking landscapes. They wear very colourful costumes. 

The Nagas speak various Tibeto-Burman languages. The interesting thing about the dialects is that they are distinctly different from each other. One tribe cannot understand the language of another tribe. 

To communicate better, they have invented a language called Nagami, which is a mix of the Naga dialects and Assamese. 

The main tribes are Angami, Ao, Chang, Chakhesang, Khiamniungam, Konyak, Lotha (Kyong), Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema (Sumi), Yimchunger, Zeliang, Kuki and Kachari. 

Head Hunting Culture

The Nagas are also referred to as the Head Hunters. They believed that the soul of a person was stored in his head. Whenever a person was beheaded and brought to the village, it will bring prosperity, the yield of the crops will increase and the cattles will grow in population.

Key Locations: Kohima, Mon, and Mokokchung.

Photography Highlights: Hornbill Festival in Kisama, Aoling Festival in Mon,  tribal dances, traditional huts, and headgear.

The Konyak tribe in Mon district, once known for their headhunting practices, are fascinating subjects. Their traditional facial tattoos and elaborate headdresses make for striking portraits. The Hornbill Festival, held annually in December, is a confluence of all Naga tribes, providing an excellent opportunity to capture a variety of tribal customs in one place.

4. Tribal Photography in Madhya Pradesh 

Madhya Pradesh is not very popular for mainstream tribal photography but has some great places. They are spread all over the state. Some of the areas around the border of Gujarat. There are many others in western part of Madhya pradesh. 

The Bhil and Gond tribes are among the largest in this state.

Key Locations: Jhabua, Mandla, and Dindori.

Photography Highlights: Bhagoria fair which happens a week before Holi is the best time to shoot the tribals. It's a very colorful festival where the young Bhil boys and girls come to choose their partners. 

The Bhagoria Haat, held before Holi, is a unique tribal festival where young Bhil men and women choose their partners. The festival is a riot of colors and activity, perfect for candid photography. Gond art, with its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, is another highlight, offering beautiful subjects for still photography.

5. Tribal Photography in Rajasthan

There are numerous nomadic and tribal communities in Rajasthan. Constituting 14% of the states population, these communities are located mostly in and around Udaipur. 

The Bhils and Minas are the major tribes in Rajasthan. The Bhils have their mention in the epic - Mahabharata where a young Bhil boy challenged the young princes.

The Minas are found around the region of Shekhawati and Jhunjhunu.

Key Locations: Dungarpur, Banswara, and Udaipur, Shekhawati.

Photography Highlights: Ghoomar dance, traditional attire, and archery festivals.

The Bhils’ Ghoomar dance, performed during the Baneshwar fair, is a great sight to see.  The intricate embroidery on their clothes and the traditional jewelry worn by Bhil women make great pictures. 

6. Tribal Photography in Gujarat

Gujarat’s Kutch region is famous for its diverse tribal communities, including the Rabari, Ahir, and Bharwad tribes.

Key Locations: Bhuj, Kutch, and Rann of Kutch.

Photography Highlights: Rann Utsav, Rabari embroidery, and traditional mud huts.

If you want to see and shoot at their best, it is recommended to go during a festival. Sometimes, they might not be very approachable but during the festivals, they all are rejoicing and easier to take pictures.  The intricate mirror work and embroidery of the Rabari tribe are a delight for photographers looking to capture fine details.

7. Tribal Photography in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, located in Northeast India, is home to several tribes, including the Apatani, Nyishi, and Adi tribes.In Tawang, the Monpa tribal people are more common. 

Key Locations: Ziro, Along, Daporijo and Pasighat, Tawang. 

Photography Highlights: Apatani facial tattoos, and traditional attire. The Monpa tribals have a very distinctive hat. Most people do not wear their traditional attire everyday, but only during the festivals.

The Apatani tribe have distinctive nose plugs. Shooting them makes some very unique pictures. Unfortunately, only a few old ladies are left who follow these traditions and this tradition will die with them.

Tips for photographers

Note: If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.

 

My Tribal Odisha Pictures

My Tribal Nagaland Pictures

My Tribal Chhatisgarh Pictures

My Tribal Arunachal Pictures

Thanksgiving

Thanks to all the participants of my tours.

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