File:The Haat' of Doraguda - 1 (The weekly village market of Doraguda, Odisha).jpg

English: The weekly ‘haat’ (weekly rural markets) in the tribal highland of Odisha (Eastern Ghats) are a critical social congregation for provincial tribes, apart from their regular trade. After experiencing few such ‘Haats’ in the tribal highlands of Odisha around the Eastern Ghats of India, I realised that the 'Haat' were predominantly a women's enterprise i.e. largely - for the women and by the women, further, each tribe has its own weekly 'Haat', since the tribal settlements are limited to a locality in a region. To me, it was an embodiment of the lives of a mother, a wife, a friend and a daughter ... their simplicity and desires expressed through their traditions and rituals. The entire spectrum across all age groups was represented. Their bright colours and lively spirit enhanced the vibrancy of the setting and happened to be an important element of life's journey especially in a tribal setting. Every family or household participates in some way or the other. They come from far-flung villages using any means of conveyance. A large population of the local tribals can be seen carrying their produce on their heads or shoulders and walking over significant distances to spend the day at the Haat. .