Thousands of Adivasis gather in Palghar to celebrate World Indigenous Day

Thousands of Adivasis congregated in the Palghar city on Tuesday, August 9, to celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Many smaller rallies culminated in a grand rally at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chauk where participants, many dressed in traditional attire, displayed their culture, dance forms, folk songs and art works.

United Nations estimates that there are 47.6 crore indigenous people in the world. The population of Scheduled Tribes in India is 10.43 crore, according to the 2011 census. The Palghar district has many Adivasi communities such as Warli, Malhar Koli, Katkari and others.

The day for indigenous people, to raise awareness and protect their right, was instituted by the UN in 1994. Since then, this day is celebrated by indigenous people across the world, including in India.

One middle-aged man, who had travelled from Dahanu, told The Satyashodhak that he has been attending the August 9 rally for the past 15 years. He said the rally is important to pass on the knowledge of Adivasi culture to the next generation as well as to preserve it.

People had travelled from remote parts of the district, such as Jawhar, Mokhada and Dahanu, to attend the rally, which saw a huge participation from the youngsters.