History & Culture Toda Tribal Festival Context: In the Nilgiris, the Toda tribal people renovated a traditional temple and participated in the 'Narsners Kumbabishekam' (Consecration) festival with songs, dances, and offerings. About the Toda Tribe The Todas are one of the most ancient ethnic groups inhabiting the upper plateau of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. They are divided into five clans: Peiki, Pekkan, Kuttan, Kenna, and Thodi. They possess a unique language of their own, though it lacks a written script. They reside in small villages (settlements) known as 'Munds'. Their society follows a patrilineal lineage system and is further divided into two exogamous divisions: Tharthazoll and Theveioll. Their primary livelihoods are buffalo rearing and traditional embroidery work. Their unique embroidery crafted on white cloth using red and black threads—was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2013. Every year, at the end of December or the beginning of January, they celebrate a buffalo festival known as 'Modhweth'.
