Barehipani Nature Camp

Mayurbhanj, Odisha, India

Simul Tree:

scientific name: Bombax ceiba
Also known as Semal Tree or Silk-Cotton Tree. Similipal is named after this tree.
The kapok fiber (fluffy & cotton-like fibers) of Simul are used for stuffing pillows, quilts, sofas and other such things.
Medically, the roots & bark are used for treating diarrhea, dysentery & constipation. The flowers & their extracts help in treating cough, asthma & bronchitis. The bark & gum are used for healing wonds. The gum is used for Pulmonary Tuberculosis treatment.
Garasia tribe (of Rajasthan, India) consider this tree as sacred.

Barehipani Nature Camp:

A resort under Odisha Eco Tourism, which is under Odisha Government Tourism.

Tribes:

The tribes, who dwell in and around Similipal, are Khadia, Mankidia, Lodha, Ho, Kolha, Santal, Bhumija & Munda, out of which, Khadia, Mankidia & Lodha are recorded as PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups).

Khadia (Kharia):

The tribe, who generally rely on forest products, like honey, resin, and arrowroot. Their traditional occupation is hunting and gathering forest products. They generally speak Kharia language, which belongs to Munda branch of Austroasiatic languages.

Lodha:

They belong to a larger Munda ethnic group, who generally speak Mundari language. History says that, the British government termed them as the Criminal Tribe under the Criminal Tribes Act, which later got repealed.

Mankidia:

This semi-nomadic Austroasiatic tribe is a section of Birhor tribe. This tribe traditionally depend on forest for their livelihood through hunting, food-gathering & rope-making.

Ho:

This indigenous tribe primarily practice agriculture and depend on forest-based livelihoods.

Bhumija (Bhumij):

A Munda subgroup, who traditionally follow Hinduism. They are famous for Bhumij Revolt (1832 – 1833) against British East India Company. The revolt was led by Ganga Narayan Singh.

Munda:

An indigenous Austroasiatic ethnic group of Mundari language speaking people. Their economy is generally based on agriculture, especially shifting cultivation. They generally follow Adi Dharam (a religion that respects natural spirits associated with trees, rivers & hills) and celebrates different seasonal festivals, like Phagu, Karam, Baha Parab & Sarhul.

Kolha:

This indigenous tribe of approximately 6,25,009 people were historically hunters & gatherers. Now, they are primarily agriculturists, who are mainly involved in paddy cultivation.

Santal (Santhal):

The third largest tribe of India with rich cultural traditions, which include distinctive music, dance & festivals. They speak the Santhali language, which is a Munda branch of Austroasiatic language. In 1925, Pandit Raghunath Murmu developed the Ol Chiki script (30 letters) for the Santhali language.

Birsa Munda:

He is an icon of Munda tribe, who was born on 15th November, 1875, at Ulihatu village, in Ranchi district of Bengal Presidency (now in Khunti district of Jharkhand, India). He is remembered as the rebellion, who raised a movement against the British oppression. His movement is referred as the key event of Indian freedom strugle. He was arrested and died in jail on 9th June, 1900.

Tribal Dance:

Pinkali, Bahabana & Kathi dances are generally performed by the Kolha tribe. They are typically performed to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments, like drums and flutes.
Changu Dance is a folk dance, which is generally performed by women, following the rhythm of changu (a rural tambourine, which is played by men). This dance is associated with Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Khadia, Juang, Mechi & Kondha tribes.