These tribes of Andhra Pradesh, acknowledged as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), reside in the hilly regions of Parvathipuram Manyam. With a mixture of Mongoloid and Dravidian roots, Konda Savara maintain a clear distinction in socio-cultural traditions, language, and rituals. The structure of their community and lifestyle represents a deep attachment to nature and tribal customs expressed through festivals, modes of worship, and particularly their Farr dance-Thongseng.

Thongseng isn’t a single dance, but a collective of seven different styles, each linked to a specific occasion like funerals, harvests, marriages, or festivals honoring deities or ancestors. These include Jumbong, Judodeb, Abdur, Guaren, Sirn, Kinpur, and Gusada Thongseng. Each form celebrates aspects of tribal life—mourning, farming, marriage, spiritual protection—and is a vital way for the community to preserve oral history and spiritual belief through movement and music.

Thongseng is known for its energetic and inclusive performances. Women dance and sing traditional songs, often holding umbrellas and performing complex steps like jumping or rounding, while men provide live music using tribal instruments. Though 11 men and 11 women often participate, any community member can join. The gendered collaboration is central—while women lead the choreography, men’s instrumental rhythm synchronizes with the dancers, making it a coordinated and vibrant communal event.

Dressed in their symbolic traditional costumes, the Konda Savara dancers participate in the Thongseng. Men wear dhotis, turbans, and towels, while women paint themselves in bright red sarees, thread flowers in their hair, and place bronze anklets on their feet, adorning themselves so that every little movement is accompanied by the jingle of melodious sound through dance. Adornments like nose rings, earrings, beaded necklaces, and bracelets further identify them. The ankle bells (Andelu) are central-giving the dance its name-& enhance the soundscape, turning movement into rhythmic audible expressions of heritage.

Music is integral to Thongseng, with men using ten traditional instruments—like drums, kettle drums (Tudum), cornet (Taretapaneh), and bamboo fiddles (Goh Goh inz deb). Percussion tools like scrapers, slit bamboo clappers, and bell instruments enrich the auditory layer. These instruments produce a raw, rhythmic sound that mirrors the energy and symbolism of the dance. The distinct ethnic music underscores community storytelling, spiritual rituals, and emotional expression in tribal celebrations.