Visual ethnography of the Dandari Gusadi festival of the Raj Gonds of Telangana, India: focusing on the social and ceremonial cultural expressions
Abstract
The present visual ethnographic essay interacts with the photographs as part of the ethnographic fieldwork conducted between 2020 and 2024 in Telangana, India's Adilabad and Asifabad districts. The essay reflects on the socio-cultural expressions of the indigenous dance festival known as ‘Dandari–Gusadi’ performed by Telangana's Gonds and Kolams communities. The essay provides insights into the importance of various artefacts and rituals associated with the festival. The emphasis is on the holistic idea of the indigenous cultural heritage beyond the binary of tangible and intangible.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cultural and Communication Design Research
Anthropological Studies and Insights
South Asian Cinema and Culture
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Visual Studies
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 489–496
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026
- Language
- EN