Art & Culture

Elephant figurines hold immense religious and cultural significance in the sacred groves of Jhargram, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual connections between tribal communities, forests and the natural world, writes Deepanwita Gita Niyogi

From the construction of a massive wooden chariot to the gathering of local deities, Bastar's Dussehra reflects a distinctive relationship between faith, community and regional history. Its absence of Ravana effigy-burning sets it apart from many of India's other Dussehra celebrations, The Indian Tribal reports

An ethnographic study of three Santhal-dominated villages in West Bengal documents Durga Puja alongside festivals rooted in nature, sacred groves and agricultural life. The findings offer a nuanced account of cultural exchange without suggesting that all Santhals share the same religious practices. The Indian Tribal reports

Revived in its present form after a period of decline, the tradition continues to connect contemporary celebrations with the history of the former Jeypore kingdom. The Indian Tribal reports

From tribal textiles and intricate palm-leaf engravings to folk paintings and traditional musical instruments, its collections offer a glimpse into diverse cultural legacies, Niroj Ranjan Misra gives us a tour

The report by Utkal University’s Centre of Excellence in Studies on Tribal and Marginalized Communities urges systematic documentation of indigenous marriage customs before rapid socio-economic change erodes their centuries-old traditions. The Indian Tribal reports. Part-2

The study documents how parents, uncles, village elders and even mediators collectively contribute to bride price, reflecting a worldview where marriage binds entire communities rather than just two individuals. The Indian Tribal reports. PART-1

She proved that India's richest traditions live in memory, performance and community. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the country's intangible cultural heritage, writes Shweta Singh. PART-2

In remembering Teejan Bai, it is easy to reach for the obvious words: legend, icon, pioneer. All are true. But none quite capture the full force of what she did to Pandavani, and what Pandavani did through her, writes Shweta Singh. PART-1

Hidden in the hills of this northeastern State lies a remarkable handloom art that quietly narrates the story of a tribe where ancient indigenous beliefs meet Buddhist spirituality, writes Kripasindhu Dey