Hills That Follow the Sun
Tucked into Odisha’s Niyamgiri Hills, the Dongria Kondh live with the forest—and by the sun. There are no clocks. The position of shadows on trees tells them the time. Foragers head out when the light hits a certain slope.
Forest Life, Full Exposure
Working under a leafy canopy may seem shaded, but it isn’t. Sunlight beams through gaps, intensifying heat, especially in summer. Children, elders, all work outdoors—bareheaded, barefoot.
Sacred Light
They believe Niyam Raja, their mountain deity, walks with the rising sun. Mornings are spiritual. Harvest rituals are timed to sunlight. The sun is not just functional—it’s deeply cultural.
Forgotten Skincare
Natural pastes like turmeric or oil-soaked bark are still used. But UV protection? Unheard of. These guardians of the forest deserve more than reverence—they deserve real protection too.
