Tribals are showing interest and enthusiasm in buying the peacock feathers despite being hit by crop loss due to drought conditions
Adivasis perform puja to the musical instruments and gussadi caps before performing the dance. (Photo: DC)
ADILABAD: Adivasis are spending a lot on making Gussadi caps (made of peacock feathers), which are worn during Gussadi dance, performed as part of Diwali celebrations. The tribals are showing interest and enthusiasm in buying the peacock feathers despite being hit by crop loss due to drought conditions.
The money Adivasis are spending on Gussadi caps is a big amount when compared to their financial status. Adivasis wearing ‘Gussadi caps’ are Gussadis. A group of tribals wearing the Gussadi caps and performing Gussadi dance are called ‘Dandari’.
According to the tradtion, Adivasis will collect peacock feathers from jungles. But these days, due to deforestation, they are purchasing the feathers from shops.
Some of the Adivasis, especially those residing near towns and close to plain areas, are not taking the pain to collect every feather of peacock that drops from the bird’s body. Instead, they are purchasing the feathers from shops.
The Adivasis used to collect the peacock feathers when they took the cattle for grazing and the elders used to prepare the caps, each one consisting of nearly 1,000 feathers. Each new Gussadi cap costs a minimum of Rs 7,000.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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