Solace during summer: Celebrating the Mango Harvest in Odisha

A vibrant celebration unfolds in the tribal heartland of Odisha as the Lanjia Saora women perform traditional dances marking the mango harvest season. Captured in Gunupur, Rayagada district, this image reflects both cultural expression and seasonal gratitude.

Summary

• What happened: Women of the Lanjia Saora tribe were seen celebrating the mango harvest through traditional dance.
• Where: Gunupur region, Rayagada district, Odisha.
• Why it's important: The event not only symbolizes the significance of mango harvest for the tribal economy and nutrition but also showcases the cultural richness of indigenous communities.

 Context & Background

1. About the Lanjia Saora Tribe

• Location: Predominantly in the southern districts of Odisha, especially in Rayagada and Gajapati.
• Ethnic Group: A subgroup of the Saora tribe, recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Lifestyle: Practice shifting cultivation (podu), depend heavily on forests for fruits, leaves, roots, and especially mangoes during the summer.
• Cultural Identity: Known for their distinctive wall art (ikons), dances, and shamanic traditions.

2. Mango Harvest – A Seasonal and Cultural Milestone

• Mangoes are not just a fruit but:
• A seasonal livelihood source.
• Used in rituals and community feasts.
• Act as a nutritional buffer during lean seasons.
• The harvest is celebrated to thank nature and invoke blessings for a good monsoon.

3. Cultural Significance of Tribal Dances

These dances:

• Reflect tribal worldviews and gratitude toward nature.
• Are performed during key life events: harvest, marriage, and festivals.
• Serve as non-verbal preservation of history, tradition, and ecological knowledge.

4. Broader Relevance for RAS

• Tribal Welfare: The Lanjia Saora are part of welfare initiatives under:
• Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
• Odisha Tribal Empowerment & Livelihood Programme (OTELP)
• Cultural Preservation: India’s constitutional and policy commitment (Art. 275, PESA Act, FRA 2006) to protect tribal culture and rights.
• Tourism & Tribal Economy: Promoting tribal festivals can aid eco-tourism and cultural tourism, supporting both livelihood and conservation.

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Conclusion

The image of Lanjia Saora women dancing in celebration is more than a festive snapshot—it reflects India’s rich tribal heritage, deep ecological linkages, and the seasonal rhythms that still define rural and indigenous life. For a civil servant, understanding such grassroots cultural practices is essential for designing inclusive policies and promoting tribal welfare while preserving biodiversity and tradition.

MCQs for Practice

Q1. The Lanjia Saora tribe, recently seen celebrating the mango harvest in Odisha, is classified under:
A. Scheduled Caste
B. Scheduled Tribe
C. Other Backward Class
D. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)
Answer: D

Q2. Which act empowers tribals like the Lanjia Saora to manage forest resources and claim rights over forest land?
A. PESA Act, 1996
B. Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C. FRA Act, 2006
D. Biodiversity Act, 2002
Answer: C