Juang
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tribal livelihood

Juang Tribe, odisha

Juang

These people are confined to the state of Odisha, largely in the districts of Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, and Jajpur. The Juang language is the language of these people, which is a Munda dialect. The Juang regard Gonasika hills in the district of Keonjhar as their original home; they have a kinship system of community groups at village and regional levels with a considerable emphasis on strengthening kin and social bonding. Their livelihood is diversified, ranging from shifting cultivation, forest gathering, and fishing. They also practice village exogamy, which helps sustain a clear identity in culture and a strong sense of community.

Juang

Juang couples are vital for themselves and symbolize unity and the traditions attributed to their respective roles within Juang Society. Usually occupied with agriculture, food collection, and mat production, they work together in support of their household. They also actively participate in community rites and celebrations, mainly through dance and music. Juang life revolves around an intimate partnership between couple pairs whereby the performance of mutual duties and joint celebration solidifies their cultural heritage.

Lighting

The Juang manufacture handmade cigars, considered traditional items made from locally grown tobacco and forest plants. Cigars are widely used in everyday life and often shared in social gatherings, embodying cultural practice binding members of the Juang community. Making cigars involves selecting leaves and rolling them, showing the tribe's dexterity in handling natural materials. The handmade cigars are of great cultural value, especially in ceremonial and festive occasions, which adds a new nuance to the Juang tradition.

Mat

Mat-making is a very important skill and source of livelihood for the Juang tribe, and both men and women participate in mat-making from materials available in the local wild. The mats are woven from forest resources like bamboo and reed and are used for domestic purposes, as well as being sold in nearby markets. This activity narrates their immense aptitude for sustainable livelihood with respect to natural resources. Mat-making is an economic support to the tribe and a traditional art passed down through generations which preserves their culture.

Changu

A lively cultural exhibition of the Juangs is the Changu Dance, performed during festivals and social occasions. There are two groups of men and women dancing the night away in rhythm to the beats of the changu, a shallow round drum fitted with tiny discs. Linking arms, the dancers sway and move together, akin to a river, symbolizing unity and social harmony. The dance takes place on village tours, celebrating community bonding and joy while wholeheartedly flaunting the cultural pride and tradition of the Juang.