Situation of tribals in Orissa

karolina

Is anyone on the site very familiar with Orissa? Social, political situation, fast developing international industries exploiting life condition of tribals, deforestation? I'm just learning more about Orissa's culture, beauty, people, problems, and I'd be so greatful if anyone would want to share any experience of travelling through Orissa when it comes to local people, their beliefs, social problems, tribal areas, political and other organisations etc., anything, please.....

aurovon

I am going to Orissa this december. I was born in Puri, Orissa. All my family/relatives reside there. I live in the US now, but whenever I go to India for vacation its ALWAYS in Orissa. Kinda pisses me off, since I want to travel up north for once

Anyways from my perspective I don't know much honestly, hell I am pretty much a 'foreigner' sinve I moved from India when I was like 10. But anyways the people are very nice/friendly. Usually are willing to speak about whatever questions/comments you have. That is what I love about India, the people are so friendly. While ofcourse at the same time, things can totally be the opposite - which I really have not had any experience with in all honesty. I don't think there is any major political situation going on right now. Their beliefs should not be a major issue, especially for a traveller. Remember, they usually are curious about visitors and often might talk with you. They will stare at you, don't be startled..its normal. Just go on with your business. I pretty much spend most of my time in Bhubaneswar(capital of Orissa) its just a typical local city. I'd really suggest hitting up small villages because thats where real beauty is overall in my opinion. I am not exactly sure what your plans are in Orissa, but definatley go to Puri if you can. And Konark is awesome too, although I don't remember too much. People might ask you for 'donations' at temples you visit, don't let them trick you into giving a lot or if any. Ask around a local person about how much to donate if you are willing to, if not thats okay too! Hell I don't give any. Coins, 5-10rs is enough I'd imagine. Ah yes I am sure you will see a lot of monkeys at puri temple for example, be careful not to play with them, haha. Although if for some odd reason they plan on attacking you just hold a stick they will get scared. The chances of this happening is very rare unless you have food all around you. Anyways I have no idea how much this helped, like I said I don't know much. But feel freek to ask more questions, and I'll see if I know the answer. Cheers.

Jorge Reverter

Hi Karolina,

I'm not very familiar with Orissa, just stayed three weeks in Dec 2003 in Orissa, mostly in the tribal areas. Probably my best trip in India. To answer all the questions you mentionned is probably too hard and in my opinion not very much interesting for Imikers.

In my gallery here in India Mike you can find around 100 pictures of tribal people.
I haven even written a book about the tribes and my trip to Orissa (an hommage to Norman Lewis's trip to Orissa in the 80s and in his 80s) a long story.

BTW Konarak is really astonishing, the visit is a must. Puri is also interesting but unfortunatelly non hindous are not allowed in Lord Jaggannath temple. In any case the ambiance in the city is really impressive. Old Bhubaneshwar with hundred of small and huge temples around Bindu Sagar worth also a visit.

Jorge

aurovon

I've head about non hindus not able to get into the puri jaganth temple, I never took it seriously. That's just not right in my opinion. I think the reason they say this because they assume non hindus eat beef which is a no no in hindusim. Oh well, I am not a true hindu since I am making some beef as we speak

karolina

Thanks for all your info! I'm aware that my questions might be hard to answer and that maybe they don't belong in a travel forum, but why shouldn't we take a deeper interest in the country we're travelling in? Anyone else wants to add something?