Move fromHIDDEN SILENCES
ToLIBERATING SOUNDS
Move fromNEGLIGENCE
ToREVIVAL & RESURGENCE

FROM ‘MAUNA’ TO ‘DHWANI’
Regaining a personal voice
Mauna Dhwani Foundation was born from the belief that true transformation begins when those who have been silenced reclaim their voice, their identity and their livelihoods.
Together We Weave Change
Together We Weave Change

OUR INITIATIVES
Kukmu
meaning “manifestation of dreams” in Santhali, is a women-led brand empowering first-time weavers to craft world-class handloom textiles for a global stage.
SEE MORE
OUR INITIATIVES
SOCH (School of Craft and Handloom)
Mauna Dhwani’s creative learning space where revival of traditional skills meets modern purpose, empowering communities with craft, confidence, and sustainable livelihoods.
SEE MORE
OUR INITIATIVES
Neivedya
Our community kitchen providing daily meals for 800 women and children, ensuring artisans’ well-being. It has served 3,00,000+ meals till day.
SEE MORE
OUR INITIATIVES
Samavesh
Our after-school program supports 250 children from the community with academics, arts, and digital literacy to break the cycle of generational poverty.
SEE MORE
OUR INITIATIVES
Tanta sathi
Our leadership program that nurtures local women leaders who now manage weaving centers, fostering self-reliance.
SEE MORE
WHERE WE WORK
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
Nestled in the heart of Odisha, Mayurbhanj is a district rich in cultural diversity, home to 54 tribal communities. Despite its agricultural backbone, the region faces deep-rooted challenges. The erosion of traditional weaving techniques has led to the gradual decline of the district’s rich artistic heritage, while economic vulnerability persists due to limited access to training, financial resources, and raw materials.
Gender disparities further complicate the region’s progress. Social norms often restrict women’s access to employment and financial independence. Mayurbhanj has a population of 310K+ individuals facing a web of interconnected challenges. Through our training and production centers, we impact 17,000+ individuals across 17 villages. Initiatives like natural dye techniques, weaving, traditional grain cultivation, and kitchen gardens help restore heritage, improve livelihoods, and build a sustainable future.
CENTERS
Chuliaposi
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Astia
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Atanati
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Dukura
PRODUCTION

CENTERS
Sunapal
PRODUCTION

CENTERS
Karkachia
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Bhandagaon
PRODUCTION

CENTERS
Kanhupur
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Dhanapana
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Babangad
PRODUCTION

CENTERS
Jodakendu
TRAINING

CENTERS
Dhangara
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Bholagadia
HAND SPINNING CENTER

CENTERS
Dubrajpur
TRAINING

CENTERS
Chuliaposi 02
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Udala (weaving)
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Udala (embroidery)
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Udala 02 (Tailoring)
SPECIALISATION

CENTERS
Udala 03 (tailoring)
SPECIALISATION

TRIBES

Mahali
Origins
The Mahali tribe is believed to have migrated to Odisha from the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Occupation
They skillfully craft intricate baskets and handcrafted wares from bamboo.
TRIBES

Mankirdia
Origins
'Mankirdia' is derived from the Odia workd 'mankada', meaning monkey; as they are exceptional monkey catchers.
Occupation
They are master artisans, weaving intricate products from Sabai grass
TRIBES

Lodha
Origins
The name Lodha traces its roots to "Lubdhaka", meaning trapper, reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to nature.
Occupation
Traditionally, they are experts in breeding tassar moths and harvesting silk cocoons.
TRIBES

Bhumija
Origins
Bhumija translates to 'one born out of the soil', and they are deeply connected to the land.
Occupation
They work as landowning farmers while as well as agricultural labour and forest gathering.
TRIBES

Hill Kharia
Origins
Settled in the Jashipur and Karanjia Blocks, the Hill Kharia tribe is known for vibrant dance and traditions, including cockfighting.
Occupation
The Hill Kharia tribe sustains itself through food gathering, hunting, and labour
TRIBES

Munda
Origins
The term "Munda" is believed to signify "chief" or "headman."
Occupation
Mundas are traditionally agrarian, and are considered the earliest settlers who cleared forests and founded villages.
TRIBES

Santhal
Origins
The most literate tribal group, the Santhal tribe is the third-largest tribal community in Odisha.
Occupation
The Santhalis rear tassar silkworms for their silk, work as agricultural laborers and also as carpenters.
TRIBES

Birhor
Origins
The term 'Birhor' translates to 'forest people'.
Occupation
The Birhor tribe are a semi-nomadic group who are experts in hunting, gathering, rope making and monkey catching.
TRIBES

Ho
Origins
The term "Ho" originates from the Ho language, where "hō" translates to "human".
Occupation
They are experts in farming and grow paddy, maize and ragi crops. They are also known to be excellent basket weavers.
TRIBES

Bhatudi
Origins
The Bhatudi tribe are believed to have migrated from Bakua in the Similipal hills to their present place of settlement.
Occupation
They traditionally work on farms as labourers.
TRIBES

Kolha
Origins
Kolha are also known as Kol, Kol-Loharas, and Ho. Music and dance play a significant role in their culture.
Occupation
The Kolha tribe primarily cultivates paddy as their main occupation.
CRAFT

Stone Carving
The temples in the village of Khiching, a pilgrimage site of the Bhanja rulers, stands as a testament to this intricate and ancient art.
Products & applications
Stone sculptures, striking temples hewn from black stone, from around 920–925 CE.
CRAFT

Sabai grass weaving
Sabai grass weaving has been passed down through generations of artisans; and sustains several local communities.
Products & applications
The grass is woven to create products like ropes, furniture, and handicrafts.
CRAFT

Dhokra
Dhokra metal art or lost-wax casting, is an ancient craft that is over 4,000 years old.
Products & applications
Intricate animal figurines like majestic elephants and horses, sacred deities, and more.
CRAFT

Lakh bangles
Lac, a luminous resin secreted by insects, is moulded into bangles, inlaid with intricate patterns.
Products & applications
With brightly coloured intricate designs, these are significant with brides and married women.
CRAFT

Terracotta
Terracotta figurines' handcrafted forms embody tradition and devotion, and often serve as sacred offerings to deities.
Products & applications
Artisans mould majestic creatures and expressive monkeys with human-like features.
WILDLIFE

Red Junglefowl
A wild ancestor of the domestic chicken, the Red Junglefowl can be found in areas with Sal forests. Compared to the female, the male Red Junglefowl is significantly larger and has brightly coloured decorative feathers.
WILDLIFE

Asian Elephant
Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Similipal National Park is home to many Asian elephants, one of only three living species of elephants.
WILDLIFE

Peacock
Mayurbhanj derives its name from the Sanskrit "Mayura" (peacock) and "Bhanja," its ancient ruling dynasty. Folklore says the Bhanja rulers emerged from a peafowl's eyes, making the bird a key regional symbol.
WILDLIFE

Leopard
The distribution of Leopards in Odisha is mostly concentrated in Similipal and Satkosia tiger reserves.
WILDLIFE

Tiger
The Tiger population in Odisha is largely concentrated in the Similipal National Park. It plays host to the most number of melanistic tigers in the world.
WILDLIFE

Sambar
The state animal of Odisha, the Sambar deer is a symbol of the state's rich wildlife and biodiversity. They play a key role as prey for the large cat species that live in the Similipal National Park
WILDLIFE

Gaur
Also known as the Indian Bison, the Gaur is one of the most majestic herbivores that live in India's forests. The Similipal National Park is a siginificant habitat for the Gaur apart from other large animal species.
WILDLIFE

Hill Mynah
Hill mynas are known for their ability to mimic the human voice. They're often seen in pairs or small flocks commonly inhabiting the tall canopy woodlands and open forests of the Similipal National Park
WILDLIFE

Mugger Crocodile
Various conservation efforts have helped revive the Mugger crocodile population in the Similipal National Park. The highest altitude habitat for this species in India, they are powerful swimmers that inhabit the river systems of the forest.
FLORA

Mahua
The Mahua tree is vital to tribal communities, providing food, medicine, fuel, and fodder. Its flowers and fruit are used to make a strong alcoholic drink.
FLORA

Mango
The rich and fertile soil of the state and suitable climate conditions, allows the cultivation and harvest of various mango varieties like the Banganapalli, Langra and Himsagar.
FLORA

Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are widely planted around Similipal for timber and pulpwood. Tribals also extract oil from their leaves and flowers for livelihood.
FLORA

Orchid
Similipal’s environment makes it ideal for orchids, with over 93 species found in the park, accounting for about 8% of India’s orchids.
FLORA

Red Silk Cotton
The Similipal National Park derives its name from the word "Simul" (meaning Silk Cotton) tree. Found in abundance, tribals tap into the medicinal qualities of the tree to help treat coughs and wounds.
FLORA

Sal
The Sal tree is the most important tree in the area and seems to have a preference for the rocky soil of the region. These majestic forests of Sal form the lifeblood of the park’s ecosystem.
FLORA

Bamboo
The thriving bamboo tree numbers in the Similipal National park serve as a rich food source for elephants. Tribals use bamboo bark and leaves to make craft items like baskets and mats.
HISTORY AND CULTURE

Mayurbhanj Chhau
Significance
A dynamic dance form traditionally performed by men, it showcases bold, warrior-like stances. Rich in storytelling, it draws inspiration from epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
HISTORY AND CULTURE

Lower paleolethic period settlements
Significance
The Budhabalanga river basin was home to Homo erectus, as shown by Lower Palaeolithic tools found in the region. Archaeologists have traced this ancient culture at several sites along the river.

KEY FIGURES
19
Training and Production Centres
26
Tanta Sathi leaders
800
Women impacted
60+
Literacy programs for women weavers
62
Mayurbhanj villages covered