Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram inaugurates the 8 day-long “Purvottar Aadi Mahotsav” a National Tribal Festival to celebrate, cherish and promote the spirit of tribal craft, culture, cuisine and commerce at Veterinary College Playground, Khanapara in Guwahati today. Durgadas Uikey, Minister of States for Tribal Affairs and several dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Mahotsav has been organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tribal Cooperation Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED). The 8-day Purvattar Aadi Mahatsav will conclude on 15th November, 2024 and will remain open from 11 am to 9 pm every day.
Delivering inaugural address, Shri Jual Oram, said that the Tribal Affairs Ministry is working for speedy development of tribal community. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this Ministry was revamped and budgetary allocations were increased for the welfare of the tribals, added the Union Minister.
Oram said that — this year 3.5 lakh crore rupees will be spent for the upliftment of the tribals and 25 thousand km of roads to be developed in the tribal dominated areas. Janjati Gaurav Divas to be observed on 15 November and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attend the program at Jamui in Bihar, informed Jual Oram.
Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Cabinet Minister for Higher Education and School, Tribal Affairs of Assam and Ramsinh Rathwa, Chairman, TRIFED were also present in the occasion.
Dr Pegu in his address highlighted the role of PM Van Dhan Yojona, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and TRIFED for uplifting tribal economy by guiding with proper packaging, branding, levelling and marketing the tribal products.
The Mahotsav comprises of display and sale of items of tribal art and craft, tribal medicine & healers, tribal cuisine and display of tribal folk performance, in which tribal artisans, chefs, folk dancers/musicians from 13 States of the country are participating and providing glimpse of their rich traditional culture.
He said that the theme of the festival is: “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine and Commerce”. The Mahotsav features exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through 104 stalls including 10 number of food stalls and 84 number stalls of craft, jewellery and textile. Over 200 tribal artisans and artists from different States are participating in the festival apart from all North Eastern states.
