The Tribal Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

India is a vast country with such varied geological and cultural diversity, that no one can hope to truly explore its myriad facets in a single lifetime. Nevertheless, those who wish to can discover such hidden gems and treasures that will be enough to provide them a rich treasury of memories and experiences. Adding to your experiential bank balance is the exotic Union Territory (UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, located close to the metropolises of Mumbai and Ahmedabad. While it isn’t a place that finds itself on any regular tourist map or route, those who have experienced the wonders of this tiny, seemingly insignificant spot cannot help but regale others with tales. Probably the best time to visit the destination, however, is during the Christmas break in December. Not only is it the perfect time weather-wise, it is also the time of the annual Tarpa Festival, when the tribal cultures and traditions of Dadra and Nagar Haveli’s residents are out in the open for all to admire.

The Tarpa Dance is an essential feature of the festival and a must-watch. Photo Credit: Robert Griner / wikimedia

What is the festival about?

Organised by the district administration, it is an admirable attempt to showcase the UT’s tribal culture while providing tourists with an additional attraction. Although the festival is celebrated throughout, it is of special significance in the capital Silvassa. Led by participants of various tribal groups such as Varli, Kokna and Kolis, the festival signifies four days of dance, music, traditional fare and several exciting competitions. The festival usually begins with an inaugural function, which includes a shobha yatra or procession starting from the stadium grounds and takes a circuitous route to return, after having covered several important parts of the city. There are cultural programmes in the evenings and the days are spent participating in various competitive events such as swimming, boat racing, varli painting, tattoo making, rangoli making, as well as some shayari or hasya kavi sammelans. The festival usually ends on a grand note with a finale night complete with entertaining music and a fireworks display.

Doing the Tarpa dance

The highlight of the festival is the merry tarpa dance, which is an essential component of all of the UT’s festivals and celebrations such as marriages and other important occasions. While it may be a rare sight any other time, this festival is the ideal opportunity to admire the beauty of the dance. It is conducted around a musician or tarpakar who plays the instrument known as the tarpa. Dancers encircle him and perform their dance, singing along in their native tongue as they go round him in merry circles.

The Wildlife Sanctuary at Satmalia

Unearthing the treasures of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Like a few other destinations in India, Dadra and Nagar Haveli has been heavily influenced by European, especially Portuguese culture, evident in the language, architecture, food and culture of the place. However, it has nevertheless managed to retain its own unique identity and can provide every discerning tourist a veritable treasure trove of experiences. Silvassa is a place of rare and unique natural beauty with thick wooded forests and lakes, ancient churches and museums. It also presents great shopping opportunities with local crafts as well as other items worth purchasing such as tribal masks, traditional jewellery, handcrafted hunting tools and musical instruments. The stunning locales of Dadra, the picturesque trekking trails in Luhari, the wildlife sanctuary at Satmalia and hilly environs of Khanvel with its tribal villages and a variety of flora and fauna – will all add to the experience of a memorable holiday.

Getting there

Silvassa can be reached either by train or road. The nearest railway station is at Vapi in Gujarat. It can be reached by road via the Western Express Highway. Log on to MakeMyTrip.com to book train tickets and holiday packages to this exotic destination.