Tribal Markets of Odisha Exploring Vibrant Culture and Community Life
Every week, tribal communities from nearby villages gather at designated market spots – often hidden deep within forests or on scenic hill slopes – to sell and barter goods, socialize, and exchange news. A unique tradition breathes life into these remote regions – the tribal haats or weekly markets. More than just places of trade, these markets are vibrant cultural crossroads, living museums of indigenous heritage, and rare opportunities for travelers to witness tribal life in its most authentic form.
At Alternative Tours India, we take you into the heart of Odisha’s tribal belt, where communities like the Bondos, Gadabas, Parajas, Kondhas, and Mali gather to barter produce, sell handicrafts, exchange stories, and celebrate life together.
The Weekly Tribal Markets: A Cultural Crossroads
Odisha is home to 62 tribal groups, each with their own dialect, customs, and way of life. Among them are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who preserve age-old traditions and maintain a close bond with nature.
The weekly haats serve as both social and cultural epicenters. Set against the backdrop of lush forests and rolling hills, these vibrant markets burst with color, rhythm, and community spirit.
Who Are PVTGs?
PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) are communities identified for their fragile livelihoods, low literacy, and dependence on pre-agricultural practices. Despite challenges, they continue to maintain a strong cultural identity, visible most vividly in their weekly markets.
Some PVTGs in Odisha include:
- Bonda
- Dongria Kondh
- Lanjia Saura
- Kutia Kondh
- Hill Kharia
- Paudi Bhuyan
- Chuktia Bhunjia
Vibrant Tribal Markets of Odisha
Chatikona Weekly Market – Wednesdays
Tribe Focus: Dongria Kondha, Desia Kondha
Set against the sacred Niyamgiri Hills, the Chatikona market is held every Wednesday. Dongria Kondh tribes, known as “hill dwellers,” walk down from their hamlets carrying bamboo baskets filled with fruits, forest produce, and handmade goods.
Their striking attire – beaded jewelry, traditional clothing, and unique hairstyles—makes the market a living cultural showcase. For visitors, it is not just a market but a rare chance to witness how the Dongria Kondh’s identity is deeply tied to their mountains, agriculture, rituals, and traditions.
Onkudeli Weekly Market – Thursdays
Tribe Focus: Bonda, Gadaba
Onkudeli village, just 3 km from the majestic Duduma Waterfall, transforms every Thursday into one of Odisha’s most fascinating tribal gatherings. Situated at the tri-junction of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, the market attracts both locals and international travelers.
- Bondas: Known as one of the most ancient tribes of India, Bonda women wear elaborate silver jewelry, bead necklaces, and shaved heads adorned with strings of beads. Despite their small population (just over 12,000 as per the 2011 census), their cultural identity remains strong and captivating.
- Gadabas: Equally colorful, the Gadaba people contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the market with their traditional attire and handicrafts.
Kunduli Weekly Market – Fridays
Tribe Focus: Paroja, Mali, Rana
Held every Friday in Koraput district, Kunduli is the largest tribal market in Odisha. It is primarily a vegetable market of the Paroja tribe but also welcomes the Mali, Sana Paroja, Kuvi Kondh, and Rana communities.
Here, one can find not only vegetables but also pottery, livestock, jewelry, cosmetics, dry fish, and even native musical instruments. For travelers, the Kunduli market is a lively blend of commerce, tradition, and community spirit—a must-visit for cultural explorers and photographers.
Beyond the Markets – Activities in Odisha Tribal Tours
Exploring Odisha’s tribal markets is not just about shopping – it’s about connecting with communities, traditions, and ways of life that remain deeply rooted in harmony with nature.
At Alternative Tours, we offer travelers the chance to go beyond the markets and experience authentic tribal life through:
- Trekking in tribal regions
- Camping in nature-rich areas
- Organic pottery making workshops
- Palm leaf painting sessions
- Visits to ancient monuments
- Bird watching excursions
- Tiger tours in nearby wildlife sanctuaries
For travelers with more time, Odisha tribal tours can also be combined with Chhattisgarh tribal experiences or wildlife tours in Madhya Pradesh’s tiger parks, offering a holistic journey through Central and Eastern India’s cultural and natural landscapes. The tribal markets of Odisha are not just trading hubs – they are vibrant cultural experiences where tradition, community, and nature come alive. Whether you wish to witness the colorful Bondas in Onkudeli, the hill-dwelling Dongria Kondhs in Chatikona, or the bustling Kunduli haat, Alternative Tours ensures a deeply enriching and unforgettable journey into Odisha’s tribal heartland.