Hub Of Tribal Tourism - Onakadeli Market, The Place Naive Bondas Call Their Own

The Onakadeli weekly market in Odisha’s Koraput district offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Bonda tribal community, attracting global tourists, writes Santakar Chelapila

Koraput:Their grace does not come from the clothes and beads they wear. It is from the measured footsteps, the rhythmic movement of the body and their unadulterated laughter, all of which combine to create a vibrant collage reflecting the natural tribal life on the canvas of the Onakadeli mountain ranges. Drawn to this pure and pristine beauty are hordes of tourists who reach the Onakadeli market place on the borders of Koraput and Malkangiri - some to click pictures, others to shoot and many who buy the beaded and metal jewellery and natural forest produce the Bondas sell.

Around 20 Bonda men and women from Malkangiri trek around 15 kilometers to reach the Onakadeli market in Koraput, which functions only once a week. As it strikes 9 am in the morning, they reach the market place and begin their trade. Adorned in heavy beaded jewelry from neck to thigh, they use minimum fabric to cover themselves up. The layers of nose rings, ears pierced from top to bottom, necklaces of beads and metals cascading from their necks to thighs through their chest, reflect an ancient, unaltered culture. Not to miss, the crafted waistbands.

Tourists buying natural beads from the tribals (aETV Bharat)

Not only Bondas, even tribals like Gadabas from Lamtaput block of Koraput, sell ornaments, especially made with natural beads knit with strings at the market. They also bring along millets, paddy, vegetables, and occasionally their hand woven fabrics like Kereng, a fabric woven with natural string and rare to find. However, with support from district administration and INTACH, the fabric is getting revived. Some also get traditional fruits like kendu, seasonal cherries, Harada & Bahada, local intoxicating drinks like mahuli, chauli, pendam, salap from the mountains.

Tourists at the Onakadeli market (ETV Bharat)

Untouched by urbanization, the marketplace is frequented by tourists from India and abroad. For Elisa and Princheka from Italy, visiting Onakadeli was an eye-opening experience. They marveled at the Bonda women’s striking attire and intricate bead necklaces, which reflect the community’s deep connection to nature. “The market is not just a place for trade; it’s a celebration of culture that must be preserved,” Elisa remarked.

Domestic visitors, too, find the experience enriching. Shilpa Ramakrishnan, a tourist from Mumbai, described the market as “a living example of India’s rich tribal traditions” and urged families to visit such places to foster cultural pride and awareness. Most of the times, the tourists in awe of the tribals, keep clicking their photographs which the Bondas oblige with a smile, and at times for some quick money.

The Onakadeli market where tourists flock (ETV Bharat)

According to Dr PC Mohapatro, Director of COATS, Onakadeli and similar weekly markets are lifelines for tribal communities. Tribals bring forest produce, crafts, and agricultural goods to sell and in exchange buy essentials like groceries and clothing. These interactions also provide a space for social and cultural exchanges, making the markets hubs of community life.

Dr. Kapila Khemundu, a sociologist from the Central University of Odisha, said these markets serve as platforms for cultural interaction. “It’s a vibrant mix of commerce and tradition. People meet, exchange ideas, and celebrate their heritage here,” he noted.

Bonda women posing for photographs (aETV Bharat)

However, despite its cultural richness, the Onakadeli market faces challenges that threaten its potential as a sustainable tourism hub. Tour operator Srikant Mishra pointed out the lack of basic amenities like shaded areas and public toilets, which deter tourists and limits income opportunities for tribal artisans. “Better infrastructure is crucial to attract and retain visitors. This will not only enhance the tourism experience but also provide stable livelihoods for tribal vendors,” Mishra explained.

Tourists bargain for some wares made by the Bondas (ETV Bharat)

While tourism offers economic benefits, it also brings the risk of eroding traditional ways of life. Tourists like Princheka emphasize the importance of preserving the authenticity of tribal culture, urging authorities to focus on sustainable models of tourism.

The Odisha government, in collaboration with local organizations, is exploring infrastructure upgrades, such as setting up shaded stalls and eco-friendly restrooms. Tour operators are also working with tribal communities to ensure their culture remains at the forefront of tourism initiatives.

Bonda women attired in beads more than fabric (ETV Bharat)

For those who are unaware of Onakadeli, it is located near the electricity production unit of Machkund Hydro electric project at Duduma waterfall in Lamtaput block of Koraput district. The Ondrahal areas of Malkangiri district is home of Bondas. Inaccessible till some time back, some villages have been connected with pucca roads for vehicles to ply.

Read More