Nestled in the higher elevation of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve is the the Toda hamlet-Bikkapathymund. Surrounded by grasslands, shola forests and plantations, Bikkapathymund is home to the Toda community who are traditionally patoralists also practicing agriculture, currently.
Photo taken by Nayantara
At the center of their identity, is the Toda buffaloes, as they do not just provide a livelihood, but are also considered sacred and are worshiped by the community. One of the many festivals to celebrate the buffaloes is the ‘Uppochpon’ or salt pouring festival. Traditionally the Toda’s used to voyage with their buffaloes to warmer places during winters. Before they embarked on their adventures, they fed their buffaloes saltwater to endure the long journeys. The salt is poured into small puddles of water that they make in a wetland close to the mund. Although, they don’t migrate great distances anymore, the festival is still part of their culture.
Photos taken by Nayantara
Aradu Kuttan, a staff of Keystone who belongs to the Toda community, gives us a background about Bikkapathymund in the voice clip below.
Photo of Bikkapathymund nursery by Aradu Kuttan
By Nayantara Lakshman
