Tribes of Keonjhar

Tribes of Keonjhar

News: Recently, the President of India inaugurated a National seminar on ‘Tribes of Keonjhar: People, culture and Heritage’.

About:
• Keonjhar is a tribal-dominated district rich in natural beauty. It is home to Munda, Kolh, Bhuiyan, Juang, Saanti, Bathudi, Gond, Santhal, Orang, and Kondh.
• According to the 2011 Census Report, Keonjhar is home to 45 percent of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) population from the district.
• Keonjhar is also known as a mining hub due to massive highquality deposits of minerals like iron ore and chromite.
• The seminar aimed to discuss various aspects of the preservation of tribal culture.
• The President emphasized that if any community or group is left out of the mainstream of the country’s development, it cannot be called inclusive development. Therefore, special attention will have to be given to the development of more backward people in tribal communities.

Important festivals of Keonjhar
• Sarhul (festival of flowers) & Sohrai( Festival for Cattle Prosperity ) of the Mundas.
• Other Festivals of Keonjhar : Karmapuja, Bodam,Chaitra parab OR Uda parab,Nukhai, Raja Parab, Baruni Jatra, Rath Jatra etc.
• Major Dances of Keonjhar: Changu Dance, Chhau Dance, Juang Dance, Ho Dance.