TRIBES OF KALAHANDI
PARJA :-
The Parja villages are having well organized socio-political systems which function as an autonomous independent unit. They observe many festivals with pomp and ceremony round the year, for the satisfaction of deity and for their own enjoyment. They are born dancers and singers without which they feel life to be meaningless. Songs and dances are performed as indispensable part of the communal and individual life. They compose own songs befitting to the occasion and tune & rhythm of the dance and songs. The females dance in one group singing, while the boys sing songs and play musical instruments. Khotla and Dhundra are important musical instrument of Paraja. The Parja are till now retaining their traditional way of life. Agriculture is their source of livelihood. They also depend on non-timber forest products to sustain their economy.
