Konda Porja Project

History of Konda Porja:

The Konda Porja language is spoken by the indigenous Konda Porja people, a hill tribe residing in the mountainous regions of Odisha. Around 1,50,000 people speak this language. They continue their traditional way of life, closely connected to nature.

Food habits of Konda Porja People:

The Konda Porja tribe’s diet primarily consists of rice, often consumed as gruel or soaked rice, along with maize or millet. They also incorporate pulses and leafy vegetables into their meals, Fish and meat are enjoyed when available. Bamboo shoots are a notable part of their diet.

Occupation of Konda Porja:

They engage in agriculture, cultivating paddy, ragi, pulses, and fruit trees. Many also gather and sell firewood. Those without land seek manual labour opportunities in nearby towns and cities.

Social and Cultural Practices of Konda Porja:

After their normal work they engage themselves in various activities. These include singing and dancing, hunting animals in the forests, catching fish in rivers and drinking liquor brewed from grapes. Marriage traditions in the Konda Porja community are diverse: Arranged Marriages: The elders from both families meet to discuss and decide on the marriage. Marriage by Kidnapping: If a man kidnaps a girl, the elders arrange their marriage as per tradition. Men wear a lungi as their traditional outfit. Women wear sarees. The Konda Porja people worship natural elements such as the sun and the moon, believing them to be their Gods.

Education and Christianity:

• Literacy rate is 29.90%.
• Christian population is 30%.

IBT Translation Ministry among Konda Porja:

Rev. Prof. Panneer Selvam had vision give the Bible in the Konda Porja Language. Mr. Narayan Puria joined in the IBT ministry in 2012 and Translation training was given to him in the IBT centre.

IBT Publications in Konda Porja Language:

• The Gospel of Mark was released by Rev. S. Dharmaraj and received by one of the Konda Porja believers on 18.05.2013 at Danishpet, Salem in the Logos camp 2013.
• The New Testament keying and exegetical checking is completed. Page-setting is in progress. The New Testament in this langauge is planned to be released in 2025. Financial support of Rs. 1,80,000/- is required to print 1000 copies, which costs Rs. 180/- per Bible approximately.