For the past two years, Chennai-based photographer Naveenraj Gowthaman has embarked on an extraordinary journey to document the rich and diverse tribal life that dots the landscape of Tamil Nadu. Through his lens, he has focused largely on the festivals that serve as a vibrant testament to the enduring traditions of these communities. Despite the ever-changing world, these celebrations have withstood the test of time, preserving the essence of tribal identity. In an upcoming show titled “Roots & Rhythms: Tribal Tales,” which will be held at the DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum, Naveenraj is set to unveil 35 evocative photographs from his ongoing series.
Naveenraj’s profound interest in the tribal communities has seen him frequent remote settlements in the Nilgiris, where he has spent considerable time with the Todas and Kothars. He has also ventured to document the lives of the Irulas residing in Chengalpattu, Viluppuram, and Tindivanam. As part of World Folklore Day on August 22, his exhibit will prominently feature photos from the annual festival of the Todas. “They celebrate it to pray for a good harvest in the coming year,” Naveenraj explains. He further elaborates that on the second day of this two-day festival, the pastoral tribe turns their prayers toward their cattle, with a special focus on their cherished buffaloes.
In addition to capturing the Todas, Naveenraj has chronicled the Masi Magam festival, celebrated by the Irulas during the Tamil month of “masi.” This festival sees the community gathering on the shores of Mamallapuram beach, near the iconic Shore Temple, to honor their deity Kanniamma. “The young and old come together to cook pongal in pots over firewood, which they offer to the deity,” says Naveenraj. He notes that they also take sea water back to their homes as a blessing from Kanniamma.
What strikes Naveenraj is the unwavering commitment of the Irulas to this tradition, regardless of how far they have moved for work. “Even those who have relocated to distant places make it a point to return to Mamallapuram for the festival,” he reveals.
. “Many families walk for over a day from their hometowns to reach the seashore for the festivities,” he adds, noting that this enduring practice underscores the community’s steadfast adherence to their traditions and belief systems.
The charm of Naveenraj’s work lies not only in the celebratory moments he captures but also in his resolve to document the daily lives of these tribes. “There are 36 tribes in Tamil Nadu, and I hope to cover every aspect of their life—from birth to death,” he announces. Fully aware of the magnitude of this endeavor, he estimates that it will take at least 15 years to complete. “This is a monumental task, and I am committed to seeing it through,” he says with determination.
The exhibited photographs in “Roots & Rhythms: Tribal Tales” will be on display until August 28 at Kadambari Gallery, DakshinaChitra Heritage Museum in Muttukadu. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 7 pm on weekends, providing ample opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Naveenraj’s evocative portrayal of Tamil Nadu’s tribal heritage.
This exhibition is not just a visual feast but also a cultural archive that underscores the resilience and continuity of tribal traditions in the face of modernity. Through Naveenraj’s lens, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the intrinsic connection these tribes have with their land, customs, and gods.
“A camera can capture a moment, but it takes a heart to tell a story,” Naveenraj muses, reflecting on his journey. His passion for preserving the untold stories of Tamil Nadu’s tribes is palpable in each frame he presents. With every photograph, he invites viewers to step into a world where tradition and faith weave an intricate tapestry of life unparalleled in its richness and authenticity.
As the exhibition draws closer, the anticipation builds, for it promises not just images but narratives that carry the soul of Tamil Nadu’s tribal communities. This is an endeavor that goes beyond mere documentation; it is a celebration of life in its most unadulterated form, a tribute to the timeless rhythms of tribal existence amidst the evolving landscape of modern India.
