Context:
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is making efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ festival.
Relevance:
GS I: History
Dimensions of the Article:
- Paruveta Festival: A Celebration of Communal Harmony and Tradition
- Key Facts about Chenchu Tribes
Paruveta Festival: A Celebration of Communal Harmony and Tradition
Overview:
- Celebrated at Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Also known as the ‘mock hunting festival.’
Inclusivity and Communal Harmony:
- Celebrated by people of all castes, fostering communal harmony.
- Devotees from diverse religious communities, including Muslims, participate.
Origin and Folklore:
- Linked to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha in Ahobilam.
- Folklore narrates Lord Vishnu’s marriage to tribal girl Chenchulakshmi, symbolizing unity.
Special Rituals and Duration:
- Paruveta rituals extend for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), distinguishing it from common Vijayadasami or Sankranti observances.
- Deity taken to 32 Chenchu tribal villages during the festival.
Ceremonial Activities:
- Devotees aim bows and shoot two arrows at the palanquin to express reverence and signify protective cover.
- Chenchus undergo ‘Narasimha Deeksha,’ donning yellow robes and Tulasi Mala, observing celibacy.
- Temple staff reside in tribal hamlets, reflecting a casteless society of the past with no untouchability.
Symbolism and Tradition:
- Festival encapsulates traditions, communal unity, and spiritual significance.
- The unique duration of 40 days sets it apart, emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry of Ahobilam.
Key Facts about Chenchu Tribes
Geographical Presence:
- Primarily inhabit the hills of southern India, with a significant population in Andhra Pradesh.
- Also found in states such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Orissa.
Language and Communication:
- Native language, Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family.
- Many Chenchus are bilingual, also speaking Telugu, the language of their Hindu neighbors.
Shift in Livelihood:
- Historically nomadic food-gatherers, many Chenchu have transitioned to settled lives as farmers or forest laborers.
- Displacement from traditional lifestyles due to increasing agricultural activities.
Habitat and Architecture:
- Dwell in hive-shaped houses constructed with wattle thatch (intertwined poles, twigs, reeds, or branches).
Social Structure:
- Social organization includes clans, local groups, and families.
- Exogamous practice prohibits marriage within the same clan.
- Follow patrilineal descent, tracing lineage through males.
Cultural Adaptation:
- Adoption of Hindu deities from neighboring Telugu tribe due to increased interaction with plains people.
Challenges and Adaptation:
- Economic shifts and cultural assimilation pose challenges to traditional Chenchu ways of life.
- Resilience and adaptation in the face of changing socio-economic landscapes.
-Source: The Hindu
