Gorum/ Parenga

Gorum (Ethnologue ISO 639-3: pcj)

The Parenga Tribe is a small group of people living in the state of Odisha, India. According to the 2011 Census, there are only 9,455 of them, making them a very small community. Most of the Parenga people live in areas like Nandapur and Lamtaput in the Koraput District. This region is part of the beautiful Eastern Ghats mountains, with their villages located at an altitude of about 3,000 feet. The Parenga people mainly depend on farming for their livelihood. The Tribe blend animistic and Hindu beliefs, honoring village deities like Hundi and Nisani, as well as household deities like Mulamunda/Pidar. Women play a key role in these domestic rituals. They celebrate festivals like Jhakar Yatra, showcasing their polytheistic faith. Their rich cultural heritage is expressed through folk songs like Khindiri geet and oil geet, often sung during traditional marriages. Folk dances such as Kathinat, Dhemsa, Uansamunda, and Saimoldi involve both men and women, highlighting their inclusive community. The Parenga's music and dance are integral to their life cycle, accompanying marriages, funerals, and festivals. Their cultural practices reflect a deep connection to their land and traditions, making them an important part of India's tribal diversity.

One of the most important aspects of the Parenga tribe is their cultural heritage, closely linked to their language, Gorum. Gorum is part of the Austro-Asiatic language family, a group of languages spoken by various tribal communities in India and Southeast Asia. For the Parenga people, Gorum holds their traditional knowledge, stories, and way of life. Unfortunately, Gorum is now at risk of disappearing. It is mainly spoken by older members of the tribe, especially those over the age of 45. Most of the younger generation no longer speaks Gorum and prefers to use Desia or Odia instead. These languages are widely spoken in the surrounding areas and make it easier for young people to interact with others outside their community. This shift in language use is changing the Parenga Tribe’s cultural landscape. While the elders are making efforts to preserve Gorum, the younger generation’s preference for other languages shows how social and cultural influences are shaping their lives. This situation calls for urgent efforts to document and revive Gorum before it is forgotten entirely. These efforts are crucial to preserving not just a language but also the rich heritage and traditions of the Parenga Tribe.