About one fourth of Orissa's population still lives in the hills surrounded by lush green forests fed by numerous hill streams. Streams play a very significant role in the life of the tribals. They are not only their source of water; they play a very important role in their lives in more ways than one. They revere the streams as goddesses and avoid crossing them as far as possible. Their life begins and ends at the stream.

Rituals take place near the stream. They bathe in the water and worship their deities and then cook the offerings of rice and fish or jungle fowls and sometimes other animals that they hunt and kill for the deity. They can often be seen in groups singing soulfully and playing musical instruments near the stream.

The streams provide fish and crabs which they hunt with their own unique techniques. For hunting animals too, streams are ideal spots. They make a small platform (machan) atop a tall tree above or near the water and shoot or kill the animals when they come to slake their thirst.

They clean and cut the meat and wash the intestines in the flowing waters of the stream and cook it at the same place as both firewood and stone blocks are available there.

They put bitter potatoes in the stream to wash away the bitterness. Mango kernels which also form their staple diet during difficult months when they can not collect edibles from the forest are also put in the stream to wash away their bitter taste.

They plant banana, castor, orange, pineapple, turmeric, paddy, bajra, alasi etc. in the fertile beds of the hill streams.

The waters of the perennial streams are also useful for them as they season bamboo brakes and wood to get rid of starch and make them insect-proof. It also makes the bamboo and wood pliant and shiny. Many musical instruments also produce better results if immersed in the water of a running stream for some time.

Streams are also used for preparing dyes by putting seeds, bark and dried fruits in the clay bed of the stream for deep tones and blacks.

The tribal homes have roofs thatched with wild grass or bricks made of clay called ‘khaparalli'. It is prepared from the soft clay available in the beds of the streams. The tribals also produce beautiful terracotta toys and other items with this clay. The gurgling streams with their crystal clear water running on the bed of gleaming pebbles also inspire their artistic temperament. They imitate and learn from the noises of the water and create music and dance movements which are an essential part of their lives. Balancing o the unsteady surface when they have to come to the stream for many purposes several times a day shapes their graceful gait and enhances their personality. They are so lyrical because of that.

The stream has spots nearby camouflaged by tall grasses, holes and crevices for young lovers. Since the tribals meet and indulge in romantic dalliance before marriage, the stream is the best location for their meetings. For the same reason, the girls' dormitories are invariably located near a stream.

When they marry, the groom's family and party come and stay on the opposite bank of the stream running near a village. They cross it to marry. The tribal people accompany their guests and see them off at the stream and not beyond.

The stream serves so many purposes and it gives them so many resources that the tribals worship it. The Kondhs call it Gungi Penu and the Bondas worship as a deity named Doliang. There are many rituals connected with the stream.

hey look for auspicious signs in the stream when they venture into the jungle to hunt or collect forest produce. If they see a fish or a crab, they believe they will be blessed with prosperity. There are bad omens too. The streams and tribals have a peculiar and interdependent relationship. The tribals can not live without them.