The Culture and Tribes in Wayanad: Ethnic Experience in Wayanad

The Culture of Wayanad:

Wayanad is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala and across the world which is another paradise on earth. Wayanad is rich in its serene beauty, waterfalls, hilltops, peaks, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, tribal life and the rich and varied flora and fauna that you can find only in here. Embedded deep inside the Western Ghats, the hilly landscape of Wayanad is truly referred to as the “Green Paradise”. Wayanad consists of dense forest with different flora and fauna, luxurious greenery that carpets the agriculture area, and the snow covered hills and mountains.

The culture of a place is a reflection of its society about their traditions, festivals and arts. It tells us about the people of the place, their lifestyle and their beliefs. The various tribes present in Wayanad add vibrancy to the place. They have a variety of folk dance and music associated with them. The handicrafts of the region include artefacts made from bamboo, jute, cane and coconut shells. Like other parts of Kerala, spices, honey and coffee of this region are a must-buy for travellers. Onam, Maha Shivratri, Ashtami Rohini, Vishu and Christmas are the major festivals celebrated here. The Kerala cuisine is highlighted by the meals served on plantain leaves which usually include Malabar Parathas, fish curry, Nadan chicken curry and vegetarian sadhya.

Tribes of Wayanad:

Adhiyas

These categories of tribes are traditionally known as “Ravulavar” in Wayanad. They belong to the sections of people who were taken as slaves during the rules of kings and Sultans in Kerala. The lifestyle of this particular tribe is amusing, if you take the nuclear Adiya tribal household, the male spouse is the head of the family. It is like the groom purchases the bride from her parents for a certain amount of money. Also, you will be surprised to know that divorcees and widows are permitted to remarry and they have no rule that can prevent people from falling into polygamy.

There are no disciplinary actions taken against the people of this particular tribe for any sexual offence committed by them. Women are free to join back the community if they undergo the purification ceremony also known as Kalachu Veypu if they commit any kind of offences.

Paniyas

The majority of the tribal population in Kerala belongs to the Paniyas tribe. These people are mostly found in Wayanad and the neighbouring districts of Malappuram and Kannur. During the Feudal rule, these Paniyas were sold to their landlords along with the plantations in bond. The higher castes in the society trained them professionally and used them as coffee thieves. They are the workers of non-tribes and they derive the name “Paniyan” which means worker.

They are the worshipers of Kali and banyan trees. Monogamy is the only rule that is practised here and also widow remarriage is permitted like in other tribes. Also, bride practice is paid in Paniyas too and they do not permit child marriage.

Kattunayakan

These tribal people are not only found in Wayanad but also in the surrounding districts of Kozhikode and Malappuram. This tribe found towards the interiors of Nilambur forests are known as Cholanaickan and those that inhabit the plains of Malappuram district are known as Pathinaickans.

                

The word Kattunayakan refers to the King of the jungle derived from the words “Kattu” and “Nayakan”. These kings were generally indulged in the collection of forest products. They are experts at collecting honey from the trees in the forest and so they are also called as Ten Kurumars. They speak a language that is a mixture of different Dravidian lingo. Their physique resembles the features of a perfect hill tribe. They worship trees, birds, rocks and animals like snakes. Also, they practice black magic and sorcery. Along with the worship of Hindu deities they also do worship their ancestors.

Kurichiyans

These are an agricultural community. These tribe sects have been practising untouchability for quite some time until recently.

These tribes give a great deal of importance to cleanliness and are careful about eating clean and hygienic food. They keep their home, premises and clothes clean. They are not interested in any other kinds of marriage alliances as they all prefer getting married to their cross-cousins and polygamy is not allowed here. Offenders are punished and secluded from the tribe.

Uraali Kurumas

Uraalikuruma is an artisan tribe. They are one of the most colourful tribes and the rarest of their types present in Kerala. These tribe sects are found only in Wayanad. They have the liberty to choose their spouses from their tribe. They worship the deities of “Bamadu” and “Bettu Chikkamma” and some demons and ancestral spirits. The important musical instruments associated with the Uralis are the flute and the local drum, and Urali dances are performed to these instruments. 

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