Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram inaugurated the eight-day ‘Purvottar Aadi Mahotsav’ on November 8, a National Tribal Festival celebrating the rich tribal culture, craftsmanship, cuisine, and commerce of India’s tribal communities. The event, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), is being held at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara, Guwahati. The festival will run until 15 November, open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The inauguration was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, Assam’s Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs Dr Ranoj Pegu, and TRIFED Chairman Ramsinh Rathwa.
In his address, Minister Oram underscored the government’s commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of India’s tribal communities. He highlighted the central government’s budgetary allocation of ₹3.5 lakh crore this year dedicated to tribal welfare and announced plans to develop 25,000 km of roads in tribal areas. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has expanded its budget to prioritise tribal welfare and development,” Oram stated.
The minister also announced that “Janjati Gaurav Divas,” a national day honouring tribal pride, will be observed on 15 November. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the celebrations in Jamui, Bihar.
Dr Ranoj Pegu, Assam’s Cabinet Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, lauded the role of government initiatives such as the PM Van Dhan Yojana and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), as well as TRIFED’s efforts in advancing the tribal economy. He highlighted the importance of packaging, branding, and marketing for tribal products, which these programmes help to facilitate, ensuring tribal communities benefit more directly from their craft and resources.
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The theme of this year’s Purvottar Aadi Mahotsav, “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine, and Commerce,” is reflected throughout the festival’s offerings. The event features an extensive display of traditional tribal arts, crafts, textiles, jewellery, and cuisine, showcasing the talents and heritage of over 200 tribal artisans and artists from across India. The festival includes 104 stalls, with 84 dedicated to crafts, jewellery, and textiles, and 10 to authentic tribal food, allowing visitors a diverse and immersive experience of India’s tribal heritage.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore tribal medicine and healing practices, alongside vibrant performances by tribal folk musicians and dancers representing 13 states.
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