Watch: Odisha Ex CM Giridhar Gamango Plays 'Changu' At Tribal Festival

Raygada: Tribal leader and former Chief Minister of Odisha Giridhar Gamango was spotted in a different mood playing Changu-- a traditional drum-- in 'Karaj' festival at Chintalguda village in Gunapur on Sunday.

The Karaj festival is an annual event of the Saura tribe in Koraput district to which Gamango belongs.

Gamango, a veteran leader from Koraput, was the Congress Chief Minister of Odisha between 1995 and 2000.

As per reports, Gamango had visited Chintalguda village, predominantly inhabited by people belonging to the Saura tribe, at Gunapur on Sunday. The visit coincided with the celebration of Karaj festival in the village. Gamango, who is well known for his drumming skills, could not resist and joined the villagers in the celebrations and began playing Changu, a traditional drumming instrument.

https://youtu.be/W7pjgpp649g

It was not the first time the former Chief Minister who is well known for his simplicity and down to earth nature was seen playing his favourite instrument. In fact he has always been a crowd puller for his skilful beats.

Gamango explained, "Karaj festival of Saura people is an occasion to remember and recall ancestors. During the festival the spirits of the ancestors visit their respective families and bless all members with good health and prosperity. And that's why the festival brings the whole village together," he said.

Saura culture revolves around terraced paddy fields in mountains. Saura people believe the dead occupy a parallel world and their prosperity is linked to the living world.
Savara tribe, also known as Saura tribe in eastern India, are distributed mainly in the states of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihār, with an estimated population of about 310,000, most of whom are found in Orissa.