Roots
Documenting a paling identity
‘Roots’ is a photo-documentary series that pays homage to the indigenous communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, India. With this project, I aim to preserve this unique cultural heritage so that it can be celebrated by future generations. The photographs featured in this collection showcase the lives of three main tribal groups, Warlis, Konkanas, and Dhodias.
'Silva' Mist rolls over the fields of Rudana during the paddy harvesting season.
'Warli Chittrakala' A traditional art form depicting the circle of life and appreciation for mother nature. Often painted by the members of the Warli tribe to decorate their homes during special occasions.
'Tarpa Nach' Men and women of the Warli tribe dance to the tunes of tarpa to ring in a bountiful harvest, festivals, and marriages.
'Kapni' A group of Konkana women prepares to harvest their first yield of the season.
'Bhat' Women of the Dhodia tribe harvest rice in their backyard.
'Mahtari' Masi, one of the last Konkani women who proudly wears her traditional attire and jewelry.
'Chul' Lakhmi Tulji Bartha makes bhakar, a traditional bread, in her hut.
'Ghanti' Warli women celebrating the end of the paddy cutting season and the beginning of the festival of Diwali.
'Khanvel' Pilgrims singing hymns, dancing, and praying during Veer Dev puja, a tribal ritual of awakening their gods during Diwali.
'Barash' Kamlesh amongst hundreds of other pilgrims who spend their night on top of a holy mountain on the night of Barash puja, a Diwali ritual.
'Mauli' Pilgrims chanting prayers as they descend the holy mountain after the Barash puja.
Equipment used:
Sony A7 iii
Sony A7S ii