National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav 2021” begins Today

“Aadi Mahotsav 2021” – a national tribal festival will begin today at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi. The festival is organized by TRIFED, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and will be inaugurated by Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at at 6.30 PM today.

The Aadi Mahotsav is a celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Crafts, Cuisine and Commerce. The festival is an attempt to familiarise the people with the rich and diverse craft, culture of the tribal communities across the country, in one place.

At the same time, the event showcases the tribal traditions of the various tribal communities – by having their crafts and natural produce on display.

Tribes constitute over 8% of our population however, they are among the disadvantaged sections of the society. Characterised by natural simplicity, their creations have a timeless appeal.

The wide range of handicrafts which include hand-woven cotton, silk fabrics, wool, metal craft, terracotta, bead-work, all need to be preserved and promoted.

Aadi Mahotsav is a successful annual initiative by TRIFED that commenced in 2017. In 2019-20, TRIFED organized 16 Aadi Mahotsavs all across the country. Due to the unprecedented circumstances caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TRIFED did not hold any Aadi Mahotsav in 2020 however, the tradition has now been resumed.

However, in December 2020, a 10 day long virtual edition of Aadi Mahotsav- Madhya Pradesh was hosted on the Tribes India website.

Aadi Mahotsav 2021: Location

01^st to 15^th February, 2021

The National Tribal Festival at Dilli Haat will comprise display and sale of tribal art and craft, medicine & healers, cuisine and folk performances, in which around 1000 tribal artisans, artists and chefs from more than 20 States of the country shall participate and provide a glimpse of their rich traditional culture.

TRIFED, as the nodal agency under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been working to improve the income and livelihoods of the tribal people, while preserving their way of life and traditions.