Lambadi dancers performing during the inauguration of the National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at YMCA, in Visakhapatnam in 2019. file | photo credit: KR Deepak
Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Aadi Mahotsav celebrations of Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) on February 16 at Major Dhyanchand Stadium in New Delhi.
He said that the Prime Minister will also be briefed about all the products being displayed, following which he will interact with artisans and craftsmen and women from tribal communities.
Aadi Mahotsav is the flagship program of TRIFED. It will feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, paintings, jewellery, cane and bamboo, pottery, food, natural products and tribal cuisine among other artefacts in over 200 stalls.
Mr Munda said that more than 1,000 tribal artisans and artists from 28 states and union territories would participate in the festival. Tribal chefs from 19 states and union territories will showcase their best at 20 food stalls, with a special focus on “Tribal-grown Millets”, marking the celebration of the International Year of Millets declared by the United Nations at the behest of India Will do
It is also proposed to set up a special pavilion for sale and display of Van Dhan products with around 39 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras from 17 States and Union Territories participating in the festival.
The festival, connecting tribal artisans, craftsmen and women directly to markets in major metros and state capitals, will take place in New Delhi from February 16 to 27. crafts, culture, food and commerce”.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Mr. Munda said, “Attempted to attract more and more artisans from remote areas producing lesser known and unique items to participate in Adi Mahotsavs organized across the country Has gone… TRIFED is joining it. Top designers to ensure quality and contemporary design in tribal products while retaining their originality.
The minister said the emphasis on production of products by tribal communities “can play a big role in combating the challenge of global warming”.
In addition, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs said that the event will showcase a Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Gallery organized by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes; cultural (song and dance) performances by over 500 tribal artists; Stalls displaying and publicizing information about Eklavya Model Residential Schools and National Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation.
Officials said the Republic Day tableau of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs will also be displayed, and there will be a stall of a collection of postage stamps on tribals issued by the Department of Posts.