The Ganda or Gandawa are a

indigenous Indigenous may refer to: *Indigenous peoples *Indigenous (ecology), presence in a region as the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention *Indigenous (band), an American blues-rock band *Indigenous (horse), a Hong Kong racehorse ...

community from the eastern Indian states of

Odisha Odisha (English: , ), formerly Orissa ( the official name until 2011), is an Indian state located in Eastern India. It is the 8th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. The state has the third largest population of ...

and Chhattisgarh. They mainly live in western Odisha and adjoining parts of Chhattisgarh, especially in

Bolangir Balangir also known as Bolangir, is a city and municipality, the headquarters of Balangir district in the state of Odisha, India. Balangir has one of the best cultural heritage in India. It is also known as one of the finest places for tourists ...

and

Bargarh Bargarh is a city and municipality in Bargarh district in the state of odisha in India. It is the administrative headquarters of Bargarh District. Bargarh is popularly known for intensive cultivation of 'paddy', therefore called "Bhata Handi" o ...

districts. They are divided into various endogamous divisions such as Odia, Laria, Kandria/Kandharia, Kabria and Saharia Ganda, which are further divided into a number of totemistic exogamous clans () like and . They practise adult marriage and are mainly monogamous. Marriages are mainly arranged through negotiation, while mutual consent is also respected. junior levirate, junior sororate, remarriage of widows, widowers, and divorcees are permitted. They follow the puberty function and have birth pollution. Pre-delivery and post natal rituals such as , naming ceremony, and tonsure are also performed. They practise both cremation and burial to dispose of their dead. Their traditional occupations are as weavers and village watchmen and they also served as village headmen. They also play drums during special occasions. Their principle deity is .

Ganda Baja

The Gandas are best known for their special music known as , which is essential for village functions throughout western Odisha. The music uses drums (, , or ), pipes () and cymbals (). Previously Gandas would be patronized by important rajas or and would be essential parts of their festivities, while today they are patronized by members of other castes to play at their festivals.The music of the Gandas is considered important to communicate with local . On every Monday in Bora Sambar, a region of Bargarh, the priest performs the ritual, where the goddess possesses the priest and puts him into a trance. During this time, the Gandas play their instruments to , 16 rhythms, representing the 16 goddesses. It is said only the instruments allow this to occur, and the playing of the instruments by the Gandas helps the goddess focus her on the priest, who could lose control due to the sheer strength of her power. During this ritual, the priest can heal people who are suffering ailments such as barrenness due to the he channels, thanks to the Ganda orchestra.

References

{{Reflist Social groups of Odisha Dalit communities Scheduled Castes of Chhattisgarh Social groups of Chhattisgarh Musician castes