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Celebrating Roots: Chennai Photographer Highlights Tribal Traditions in Tamil Nadu


For the past two years, Chennai-based photographer Naveenraj Gowthaman has embarked on a captivating journey, wandering through the remote landscapes of Tamil Nadu’s tribal settlements. His lens has been primarily focused on capturing the essence of their festivals, showcasing how these cultural celebrations have withstood the test of time. During his expeditions, Gowthaman has forged deep connections with the tribal communities, convinced that their stories must be told to the wider world. His latest endeavor, “Roots & Rhythms: Tribal Tales,” is set to feature 35 evocative photographs at DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, celebrating these age-old traditions.

One of the highlights of Gowthaman’s work is the striking portrayal of the Masi Magam festival, celebrated by the Irulas during the Tamil month of ‘Masi’. The Irulas, a tribe scattered across regions such as Chengalpattu, Viluppuram, and Tindivanam, gather at the historic Mamallapuram beach near the Shore Temple to venerate their deity Kanniamma. The sight is a marvel to behold as families, both young and old, come together to cook pongal in traditional clay pots over firewood. This culinary offering, prepared with great care, is dedicated to their deity, with worshippers believing that the sea water carries blessings from Kanniamma back to their homes.

What truly adds to the charm of the Masi Magam festival, as documented by Gowthaman, is the unyielding commitment of the Irulas to partake in these festivities, irrespective of how far they have moved away for work. “Many families undertake a journey that lasts over a day, coming from distant towns just to be a part of this festival,” Naveenraj explains. “They hold their traditions and belief systems with an iron grip, showcasing an incredible sense of community and continuity.”

Apart from the Irulas, Gowthaman has spent considerable time in the Nilgiris, photographing the lives of the Toda and Kothar tribes. His documentation of the annual festival of the Todas is particularly noteworthy. This pastoral tribe celebrates their annual festival to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest in the forthcoming year.

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. The second day of the two-day event is dedicated to prayers for their cattle, especially the buffaloes which are considered sacred and vital to the community’s agrarian lifestyle. Gowthaman’s photographs offer a rare glimpse into this touching spectacle of communal faith and pastoral life.

Naveenraj’s commitment to documenting every aspect of tribal life in Tamil Nadu is a mammoth undertaking. He aims to capture the daily lives and customs of all 36 tribes in the state, a project he estimates will take at least 15 years to complete. This ambitious goal underscores Gowthaman’s determination and passion for preserving and presenting these vibrant cultural narratives for future generations. “I want to cover every aspect of their life — right from birth to death,” he says, fully aware of the monumental scope of this mission.

Moving beyond festivals, Naveenraj’s future plans include documenting various other facets of tribal life. This includes their unique rituals, art forms, traditional attires, and day-to-day activities. By doing so, he hopes to create a comprehensive visual record that honors and respects the diversity and richness of Tamil Nadu’s tribal heritage.

For those interested in witnessing this cultural journey through the eyes of Naveenraj Gowthaman, “Roots & Rhythms: Tribal Tales” will be on display at the Kadambari Gallery in DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, Muttukadu, until August 28. The exhibition is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and extends until 7 pm on weekends.

This exhibit not only aims to showcase the breathtaking visuals but also seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Tamil Nadu’s tribal communities. Through his photographs, Gowthaman has succeeded in creating a bridge between the contemporary world and these age-old traditions, ensuring that the stories of Tamil Nadu’s tribes continue to resonate with audiences far and wide.

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