Gadabas are the primitive and colorful tribal community spread in the southern parts of the
Koraput and
Malkangiri districts in
Orissa. These tribes are also found in
Madhya Pradesh and
Andhra Pradesh. The original home of these tribes was in the north of the Vindhya Mountains.
Their houses are built in two rows facing each other with some broad way left between them. They are agriculturists by profession, and collecting forest products, hunting and fishing are their other activities.
Gadaba women wear ornaments made of brass or aluminum and married women wear a peculiar type of ear ring. They believe in many gods and goddesses and Thakurani is the principal deity among them. Gadabas also worship ghosts and spirits. The main festivals celebrated are
Bandapana parab, Dushera parab, Push parab, and Chaita Parab.
Gadabas are renowned for their tribal dance known as 'Dhimsa'. It is performed by the women of the tribe who wear the famous karenga saree. The language of gadabas is known as 'Gutub' and they also speak Munda language.
