Source: TH
Context: The tribe living along the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border, keeps its customs and memories alive through stone memorials erected in honour of their physician, priest, and village leader.
- The memorials, made of large stones, symbolize the tribe’s gratitude and are accompanied by rituals and feasts organized by the families of the deceased.
The Koya population is primarily found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. They speak the Koya language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. One of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Koyas is the Sammakka Saralamma Jatra, which occurs once every two years on the full moon day of the Magha Masam (January or February). This festival takes place in Medaram village, located in the Mulug taluk of Warangal district. Their livelihood depends on animal husbandry and forest produce.
