Drought fails to dampen enthusiasm of Adivasis

Adivasis performing puja to Gussadi caps

Adivasis are spending a lot on making Gussadi caps (made of peacock feathers), which are worn during Gussadi dance, performed as part of Diwali celebrations in the Adilabad district of Telangana.

The Adivasis are showing interest and enthusiasm in buying the peacock feathers despite loss due to drought conditions. The money Adivsis are spending on Gussadi caps is a big amount when compared to financial status.

Adivasis wearing ‘Gussadi caps’ are Gussadis . A group of Adivasis wearing the Gussadi caps and performing Gussadi dance are called Dandari.

According to the tradition, Adivasis will collect peacock feathers from jungles. But these days, due to deforestation, they are purchasing the feathers from shops.

Some of the Adivasis, especially those residing near towns and close too plain areas, are not taking the pain to collect every feather of peacock that drops from the birds’ body. Instead, they are purchasing the feathers from shops.

The Adivasis used to collect the peacock feathers when they took the cattle for grazing and the elders used to prepare the caps, each one consisting of nearly 1,000 feathers. Each new Gussadi cap costs a minimum of Rs 7,000.