Lanjigarh: Members of the Dongria Kondh tribe concluded their annual Niyamraja festival Sunday atop the Niyamgiri Hills, reaffirming their pledge to protect the sacred mountain and its natural resources.
The three-day festival, held from February 27 to March 1 at Dhangarabhata near the hill summit along the border of Kalahandi district and Rayagada district, drew thousands of Dongria and Jharnia Kondh tribals as well as supporters from across the state and outside. Niyamraja, the presiding deity of the Dongria Kondh, is worshipped as the protector of their land, forests and way of life. During the festival, men and women in traditional attire offered prayers, performed rituals and staged cultural dances with customary weapons.
Animal sacrifices were also offered as part of the long-standing tradition. Community leaders said the gathering reiterated their resolve to safeguard “jal (water), jangal (forest) and jameen (Land)” from mining and other commercial activities. Holding symbolic offerings, villagers from more than 100 hamlets took an oath to defend the hills at any cost.
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The Dongria Kondh consider the Niyamgiri Hills central to their identity, livelihood and spiritual beliefs, cultivating crops such as millet, pulses and maize on its slopes.