partha pal
Chhattisgarh, a young state of India is known to be a tribal-dominated state, and it has a significantly large tribal population - 32.5% as compared to 7.8% for the rest of India. Gond, Abujmaria , Bisonhorn Maria, Muria, Halba, Bhatra, Parja, Dhurvaa are some of the tribes to mention.
I got a chance to photograph a tribal haat at Lohandiguda, Chattisgarh (baster). Situated at about Lohandiguda hatt is the largest general haat in Baster region. Literally Haat is the weekly market in rural areas of India. Most of the tribal haats in India are colourful, friendly and full of fun! Villagers gather there to socialize over a cup of landa (rice beer), salphi ( the sap of fish-leaf sago-palm) or mahua ( the local brew, very heady ); sell product their ( agricultural or forest) which varies from salt to tribal jewellery to live red ants; and buy supplies for the week ahead. Another attraction of the haat is cock-fighting.
Bastar is home to the aseel cock, noted for its pugnacity, high stamina, majestic gait and dogged fighting qualities. Cockfights are a favorite sport of the tribal here and draw a large crowd and you cannot find any woman there. Lot of gambling are going on this fighting.
Lets have a glimpse of a tribal haat.