Hidden behind the infamous backwardness of Adilabad is a treasure trove of tribal culture waiting to be explored. The district has enormous potential for culture tourism thanks to its nearly 3.5 lakh adivasi population, dominant being the Gonds and Kolams, who continue to latch on to its glorious traditions.
Tribal people are a grossly misunderstood segment of society as they are considered superstitious and their poverty is often confused with lacking in culture. In reality, the way of life of the Adivasis is one of absolute consonance with nature and it is this aspect which can be seen in tribal villages in this district.
Though Adivasis are present throughout the district, their concentration is greater in the tribal mandals of Indervelli, Utnoor, Jainoor, Sirpur (U) and Narnoor with Utnoor being the seat of tribal administration through the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). It is in villages of these mandals that culture tourism can be promoted by involving local communities.
The Adivasi calendar is broadly divided into two with agriculture being the main activity between June and November. The remaining months see tribal people indulging in religious activities and marriages
The religious season starts after Dasara with the Gonds and Kolams celebrating the colourful Ghusadi festival. The performance of Dandari dance troupes in villages is a manifestation of how the Adivasis relate to nature.
The jatara season, which begins in November, is when Adivasis traverse the countryside, visiting temples of their clan gods and other deities. The marriage season starts close to Holi and ends in May before the start of agriculture operations.
If the Ghusadi festival and the jatara season bring out the relationship between humans and gods as inherent in various components of nature, the wedding season highlights the finer aspects of matrimony. For example, there is no dowry system and it is the bridegroom who foots the entire bill of a wedding.
The Tourism Department can tie up with the ITDA in the selection of villages where visitors can be taken to witness any of these activities. Any number of villages from the agency mandals can be selected for showcasing tribal culture.
