Aadi Mahotsav: All about the tribal festival inaugurated by PM
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav 2023 today in Delhi. The festival, which is one-of-its-kind in India, features a host of elements that showcase our country's rich and underrated tribal culture, tradition, and diversity. The event, which is an annual initiative, celebrates the spirit of the tribal communities in India. Here's everything you should know about it.
Concept
Aadi Mahotsav celebrates tribal cuisine, culture, craft, and commerce
Aadi Mahotsav offers a peek into the rich heritage and culture of tribal India, helping many underprivileged tribes showcase their skills. It provides them with a platform to exhibit and sell their arts and crafts, as well as an opportunity to connect directly with consumers. During this festival, you will also find a lot of things that speak volumes about Adivasis.
Initiative
It is an initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
This one-of-its-kind festival is an annual initiative by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Every year, a thousand artisans from the tribal community set up a multitude of stalls, presenting urban society with a chance to learn more about Aadivasis and their natural ways of curating things.
Event
This year it has been inaugurated at a Delhi stadium
This tribal festival kick-started today at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi. It was inaugurated by PM Modi, who also paid a floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. "I was delighted to see different arts, artifacts, music, and cultural display through their products. I feel India's diversity and its grandness have come together and are standing tall today," said PM Modi.
Thoughts
Reaching out to people who have been unreached: PM Modi
Speaking at the event, the prime minister said, "New India of the 21st century is working on the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'. The government is making efforts to reach out to the people who have been unreached for a long time." "During the last eight-nine years, events like 'Aadi Mahotsav' have become a movement for the country," he added.
Shopping
1,000 artisans, 200 stalls: There's so much to check out
Around 1,000 artisans at Aadi Mahotsav 2023 will sell the best of their collection which will include a variety of tribal offerings. From beautiful sarees and exquisite jewelry pieces to delicious tribal cuisine and artistic paintings, there is something for everyone up for grabs. Forest and natural products, textiles, pottery, handloom products, and other handicraft pieces will also be available for shopping.
Details
The festival is live from February 16 to 27
If you are in the mood to sample some appetizing tribal food or get your hands on some elaborate sarees, you can scamper to Aadi Mahotsav 2023 any day between February 16 to 27. You can interact with artisans from 28 states and union territories here. Additionally, 39 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras from 17 states and UTs are also expected to participate this year.
Relation
It also includes the theme of International Year of Millets
This is the International Year of Millets, and a special focus has been given to the same at the festival. To create more awareness, artisans, besides offering the aforementioned products, will also offer Shree Anna products and cuisines, which are grown and made by the tribal community. Earlier Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called millets as 'Shree Anna' during her Budget speech.