Tuthungkamu- The Story of the Totos

About

Tuthungkamu: The Story of The Totos" is a transformative, multidisciplinary program designed to provide an immersive exploration of the Toto people and their vibrant cultural heritage. This unique program brings together students, practitioners, experts, and local community members to explore the intricacies of Toto life. Delve into vital themes such as language preservation, tribal rights, climate change, and ecology, gaining practical insights from Toto community members who offer authentic perspectives.

Our goal is to curate an immersive gathering dedicated to delving into the vibrant culture, rich traditions, and captivating environment of the Toto people. We aim to craft a multifaceted narrative by harmonizing diverse expertise, skills, and interests with real-life experiences. Through the promotion of collaboration and mutual appreciation, The program seeks to not only generate essential funding for the development of the Toto community school but also ensure the preservation and sustainable continuation of the Toto way of life

For more details download our Brochure

https://rb.gy/fg58r

Totopara

Totopara is a remote village in the fringes of Jaldapara National Park in Alipurdauar district, West Bengal at the Indo- Bhutan Border. It is bounded by the foothills of Bhutan to the north, Torsa River to the east, and Hauri river and the Titi reserve forest on the southwest separated by the Hauri River. The village is unique as it is the last remaining village of the Toto tribes. It is believed that only 1,763 Toto members are left in the world and most of them live in Totopara village. There are other communities like nepalis, biharis and bengalis who have settled down in Totopara primarily for business. 

The Totos

The Toto tribe, an indigenous Mongoloid community exclusively located in Totopara, represents one of India's most endangered tribes due to its small population. Notable for their distinct culture and traditions, the Toto community possesses a unique language called Denka, which is categorized as an endangered language. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with nature, featuring sustainable agricultural practices and a profound connection to the local ecosystem. The Toto people adhere to animistic religious beliefs, offering prayers to the natural deities inhabiting the hills and streams of their homeland.

The itinerary

Day 1 - ( 21 Nov )

Arrival and Welcome

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Participants arrive at Madarihat and journey through the Jaldapara forests to Totopara.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Warm welcome by Toto community members.

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Introduction to the program.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 2 - ( 22 Nov )

Introduction to Toto Culture

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Session on the origin and cultural significance of Totos by Dhaniram Toto.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Time for personal exploration.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Hands-on session on bamboo crafts with a Toto craftsman.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Reflections.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 3 - ( 23 Nov )

Cultural Immersion

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Short forest hike.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Deep dive into Toto history and evolution.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Oral narratives of Totopara shared by village elders.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Movie screening with the community.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 4 ( 24 Nov )

Nature and Spirituality

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Guided forest trail exploration.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Insightful discussions on religious practices and spirituality.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Session with Toto Shaman, Kalicharan Toto.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Bonfire and reflections.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 5 ( 25 Nov )

Toto Language and Final Project

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Session with Dhaniram Toto on the Toto language and script.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Session with Rita Toto.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Announcement of the collaborative project

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Village hike.

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Preparation time for presentations.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner.

Day 6-7 ( 26 and 27 Nov )

2 days Festival and Exhibition

An exhibition featuring Toto artifacts, crafts, traditional clothing, artworks and cuisine

Presentation of the outcomes of the workshop by the participants

Performances of traditional Toto music, dance, and storytelling.

Community-based workshops on waste management, health awareness, water conservation, climate change adaptation, and science education.

Special programs focused on children and students of the area like workshops on science, skygazing, etc.

Book fair and sessions on literature focusing on Toto language

How to enroll

To participate in the workshop, interested individuals will be asked to complete an application form, where they can share their motivations and their specific interests in the program.

A panel of local experts and resource persons will thoughtfully review and select participants based on their expressed interests and their alignment with the core objectives of the workshop.

Click the link to fill up the Application Form