Bereaved Tribes: Pahadi Korwas Desert Villages

Regrettably, amidst the technological era, the Pahadi Korwa tribe residing in Chhattisgarh persists in adhering to superstitious rituals, a phenomenon observed as ironic. Over many generations, these forest dwellers have upheld distinctive traditions, contributing to their enigmatic existence.

The appellation “Korba” derives from the Korwa tribe, yet integration into mainstream society remains elusive. Scholars posit that their customs and lifestyle pose barriers to progress.

An idiosyncratic custom among the Korwas, bordering on superstition, perpetuates their nomadic lifestyle. Constructing rudimentary abodes in the forest with scant resources, they flee upon a familial demise, leaving behind their dwellings to establish anew elsewhere.

The rationale behind such practices elicits curiosity. ETV Bharat embarked on a quest within the Korwa community to unravel the persistence of these superstitious traditions.

In a bid to alleviate sorrow, they dismantle their dwellings: Chandrakumar, a youthful denizen of the Pahadi Korwa tribe in Baghmara of Ajgarbahar, abandoned his abode following his parents’ demise. Dwelling in Bokalibhata, he reconstructed a humble shelter with the aid of fellow villagers. Now, ensconced in his new residence with his family, Chandrakumar recounts the emotional upheaval precipitated by his parents’ passing.

“The sorrow engulfing our home impelled me to dismantle it, haunted as it was by the lingering spirits of my parents. Constructing a new abode provided solace,” articulated Chandrakumar, reflecting on his departure from the ancestral home.

Exclusion from governmental initiatives: Chandrakumar lamented the non-receipt of benefits from the PM Awas Yojana and the Mahtari Vandana Yojana. Expressing ire at the systemic neglect, he decried the urban-centric focus of welfare schemes, which elude impoverished rural communities.

Villagers attest to the longevity of this tradition spanning centuries. Deeming the abode tainted by death, Korwas undertake the ritual demolition, symbolizing a departure from the haunted past. Despite sporadic allocations under the PM Awas Yojana, some residences remain incomplete or abandoned, underscoring the tenacity of ancestral customs.

“Our modest abode offers no respite from the spectral reminders of departed kin. Thus, we seek refuge elsewhere. I, too, relocated twelve years ago and have since found solace in a new abode,” shared Anjor Sai, an elder of the Pahadi Korwa tribe from Bokalibhata.

“Efforts to integrate marginalized tribes often falter due to half-hearted initiatives and the resilience of entrenched superstitions,” remarked Prakash Sahu, a seasoned journalist.

Customary impediments to progress: The Pahadi Korwas, indigenous denizens of the region, continue to grapple with developmental challenges. Despite governmental interventions, their nomadic lifestyle and adherence to age-old customs perpetuate their marginalization. Infrastructure projects, albeit initiated, frequently languish incomplete, while entrenched superstitions impede socio-economic advancement.