The Dongria Khond are an indigenous tribal community residing in the lofty Niyamgiri hill ranges of Rayagada district in Odisha. With a population of 14,054 (as recorded in the Baseline Survey of 2015, 2019 by SCSTRTI and OPELIP Survey of 2022), they are recognized as one of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). The term "Dongria Khond" refers to the Khond people who dwell in the hills (dongar), though they call themselves Dongran Kuan or Drili Kuan. They believe themselves to be descendants of the mythical Niam Raja, their ancestral mountain king. Their language, Kuvi, is a dialect of the Dravidian language family.

The Dongria Khond follow a distinctive social and cultural system. Their houses follow a linear pattern built in the Dravidian architectural style. A unique feature of their village is the Kuddi, a thatched shrine located at the center of the village dedicated to their supreme Earth Goddess, Darni Penu. Their traditional belief system and reverence for nature are reflected in their religious practices and festivals, especially the Meria or Kedu festival, during which they sacrifice buffaloes to appease the goddess. Social life is further enriched by community-based institutions like girls’ dormitories, known as Da-Sha-Hada, HadaSala, or Adas-beta, which also serve as cultural training centers.

One of the most visually striking aspects of Dongria Khond identity is their attire. Both men and women grow long hair and adorn themselves with earrings and nose rings. The community is famous for its beautifully hand-stitched shawls, which they refer to as Kapada Ganda. They are not merely a symbol of cultural pride; they form a good source of income through local trade. Endowed with bright colors and intricate designs, these shawls showcase the artistic excellence of the community and are much sought after in regional markets.

Dongria Khonds shifted to economy as skilled laborers in the field of bosh cultivation, fruits-another form of horticulture-banana, orange, and pineapple. The slopes of Niyamgiri hills serve as their base productivity for fruits like pineapple, banana, and oranges as also turmeric, cereals, and pulses. Besides agriculture, they augment their earning with forest collection, animal husbandry, wage labor, and selling of the beautiful embroidered products. Their knowledge of the terrain, sustainable farming practice reflects their harmony with nature.

Music and dancing are part and parcel of their cultural expression. During the festivals and ceremonies, Dongria men play the traditional instruments while women dressed in colorful attires come together to perform line dances before the drummers. Dance and music then become great symbols of happiness, joy, celebration, cohesion, and cultural continuity. The way these people live, believe and practice sustainable lifestyles portrays how rich and respectful their coexistence with the environment is.