Koya Tribes

Koya Tribes

News: In an effort to conserve the Indian Bison, the Koya tribe of Andhra Pradesh, India, is switching from traditional bison horns to palm leaves for crafting their traditional flute.

About:
• Koya tribe is a tribe found in the Papikonda hill range, near the Godavari and Sabari rivers in Andhra Pradesh. They are also known to live in some areas of Telangana, Chattisgarh and Odisha.
• The Koyas commonly refer to themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (Original lords).

Which festivals/fairs/dance do they celebrate/perform?
• The Koyas observe a number of festivals. Most of their festivals are community-oriented, these festivals are Chaiti Parava, Push Parav, Magha Parav, Bali Yatra.
• They also celebrate Vijji Pandum (seeds charming festival) and Kondala Kolupu (festival to appease Hill deities).
• Medaram Jathara – It is conducted in honour of the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.
• Koyas perform a robust colourful dance called Permakok ata (Bison horn dance) during festivals and marriage ceremonies.
• Permakore - It is the traditional flute made of Bison horn. Permakore is played at a designated time and place to give a call to the entire village to go hunting in the forest

What are their occupations?
• Earlier they were engaged in shifting cultivation. But have started practicing settled cultivation, cultivating crops such as Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
• They also resort to hunting and foraging