Tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is home to a rich and diverse tribal population, particularly in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Tribal communities form a significant part of the region’s population and have preserved their traditional customs, languages, folk dances, festivals, art forms, and livelihood practices over generations. The major tribal communities include the Varli, Dhodia, Kokna, Dubla, Naika, Koli, and Kathodi.

Major Tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

The tribal population of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is mainly concentrated in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with communities known for their rich traditions, agriculture-based livelihoods, folk dances, and close relationship with nature.

1. Varli Tribe

The Varli or Warli are among the most prominent tribal communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. They have traditionally depended on agriculture, forests, and seasonal work.

The Varli community is particularly famous for Warli painting, a traditional art form that uses simple geometric shapes such as circles, triangles and squares. These paintings commonly represent human beings, animals, trees, farming activities, festivals, hunting, dancing and everyday village life.

Nature occupies an important place in traditional Varli beliefs. Their cultural practices and rituals demonstrate a strong connection with the forest, land, animals and natural surroundings.

2. Dhodia Tribe

The Dhodia are another important tribal community of the region. They have traditionally been associated with settled agriculture and village-based livelihoods.

Agriculture has played an important role in their social and economic life. The community also has its own traditions, festivals, customs and folk practices, which contribute to the cultural diversity of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

3. Kokna Tribe

The Kokna or Kokana are primarily an agrarian tribal community. Farming has traditionally been an important source of livelihood, along with forest resources and seasonal employment.

The Kokna community is also known for its folk traditions, dances, songs and community celebrations. Their cultural life is closely linked with agricultural cycles and important social occasions.

4. Dubla Tribe

The Dubla are found mainly in rural areas and have historically depended on agriculture, cultivation and agricultural labour.

Like several other tribal communities in the region, their traditional economy has been closely linked to rural occupations. Changes in agriculture and the growth of nearby urban and industrial areas have gradually diversified their livelihood opportunities.

5. Naika Tribe

The Naika are one of the smaller tribal communities of the region. Traditionally, their livelihood has been connected with agriculture, forests and rural occupations.

Their customs and community traditions form part of the wider tribal cultural landscape of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

6. Koli Tribe

The Koli are another community found in the region. Traditionally, agriculture and other rural occupations have been important to sections of the community.

Their presence adds to the social and cultural diversity of the Union Territory.

7. Kathodi Tribe

The Kathodi are a smaller tribal community with traditional links to forest-based livelihoods. Historically, forests provided food, raw materials and other resources that supported their way of life.

Like other tribal groups, the community has experienced changes due to economic development, modern employment opportunities and changing access to traditional resources.

8. Siddi Community

A small Siddi population is also found in the broader region. The Siddis have a distinctive historical and cultural background and are known for their unique traditions, music and dance practices.

Tribal Art, Folk Dances and Festivals

The tribal communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have a rich cultural heritage expressed through traditional paintings, folk dances, music, festivals, and community celebrations.

• Warli Painting: A famous tribal art form using geometric shapes to depict nature, farming, animals, rituals, and everyday village life.
• Tarpa Dance: A popular community dance performed in a circle around the Tarpa, a traditional wind instrument.
• Dhol Dance: A lively folk dance performed with the accompaniment of traditional drums, especially during celebrations.
• Bhawada: A traditional folk performance combining dance, music, and community entertainment.
• Tribal Festivals: Festivals, harvest celebrations, weddings, and religious occasions are marked by folk songs, dances, rituals, traditional food, and community gatherings.
• Nature-Based Traditions: Many tribal customs and celebrations reflect a deep respect for nature, forests, land, and agricultural cycles.

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