Odisha's Gabada women who wear Kerang, a traditional costume, and beautiful jewellery

By Deepanwita Gita Niyogi

The Gadaba is a major tribe of Koraput district in Odisha found mainly in three blocks: Lamataput, Similiguda and Pottangi. They are mostly involved in the cultivation of millets, pulses and niger. The women often wear Kerang, a traditional costume consisting of two separate pieces, and beautiful jewellery.

In Kangrapada village of Lamtaput block dominated by the Gadaba tribe, the government has introduced livelihood programmes for the economic development of the tribe. In other villages, saplings of medicinal plants are being distributed to the community. Women are also receiving support in the collection of minor forest produce. Imli or tamarind is an important produce.
Gadaba 1: A Gadaba tribe woman supports a pile of logs in Kangrapada village of Koraput district.

Gadaba 2: Children often accompany their mothers to fields during the busy harvest season.

Gadaba 3: A view of the beautiful Lamtaput block in Koraput where many Gadabas reside.

Gadaba 4: A woman in two unique and different-looking nosepieces.

Gadaba 5: Anklets are worn during festivals when the women love to dance.

Gadaba 6: The Gadaba tribal women are fond of wearing jewellery. The round neckpiece is called Khagala. It is made of aluminium. Often more than one neck band is worn.

Gadaba 7: Setting a young woman’s hair right.

Gadaba 8: Women dressed in Kerang and jewellery take a break at work. The Kerang consists of two pieces of cloth, one worn as a skirt and the other worn across the chest.

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