Beyond popular gaze

The video is a film on the ceremonies, festivals and rituals of the various tribal groups in the southern districts of Kandhamal and Rayagada in Odisha. These districts of Odisha are home to 62 different tribes each with their own distinctive social organization, language and culture. The film looks at the festivals and rituals of three tribal groups, the Kutia Kondhs, the Desia Kondhs and the Longia Sauras. The Negia or Kedu Parba of the Kutias is one of the most important festivals held every year between February and March. The Meriah festival of the Kutias is held in honour of the Earth Goddess, Dharani Penu. A Meriah pole is erected in the village to mark the festival. The Guhar ceremony of the Longia Sauras is also presented in the film.