Adivasi Mela-2024, happening at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground in Unit-I from January 26 to February 5.
This vibrant event will feature stalls in the traditional Adivasi Haat, showcasing Tribal Art and Crafts, set up by 22 Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs), 17 Micro Project Areas (MPAs), and various state government line departments. The grounds will be open to the public from 2:30 pm to 9 pm.
The Adivasi Mela, a flagship event of the SC/ST Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, draws people from the State Capital and nearby areas. It provides a glimpse into tribal life, anthropology, and offers a market for the sale of agricultural products, minor forest produce, and craft materials. The festivities include beautiful tribal dances, a multilingual drama festival in tribal languages, a drama by the SC/ST Development Department Cultural Association, and a Bhajan Sandhya.
A highlight of the festival is the creation of life-size Adivasi Gaon (tribal huts) representing the diverse lifestyle and culture of various tribal communities and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). This year’s showcase will feature huts from Kutia Kandha, Santhal, Paudi Bhuyan, Hill Khadia, Mankirdia, Juanga Munda, Gadaba, Dongria Kandha, Lanjia Saora, Bonda, and Chuktia Bhunjia.
From January 26 to February 1, 39 cultural groups will stage captivating tribal dances, followed by a Bhajan Sandhya on January 30, and a drama by the SC/ST Development Department Cultural Association on February 2. Multilingual dramas by different tribal communities will be presented from February 3 to 5.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) associated with ITDAs and MPAs will showcase their products, art, and craft items. The event promotes cashless transactions through digital payment options for the convenience of the public. Strict measures are in place to prohibit the use of plastics and polythene during the event, with penalties for possession. Line departments and organizations like Mission Shakti, ORMAS, Millet Mission, Handloom Textiles and Handicrafts, Planning and Convergence, I&PR, SCSTRTI, Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC), Tribal Museum, and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences will actively participate in the fair.
The Adivasi Mela, an annual culture-cum-trade fair of the 62 tribal communities of Odisha, including 13 PVTGs, was initially started in Cuttack in 1951 and later moved to Bhubaneswar in 1954. After a stint at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar, it returns to its original location this year. Organized by the Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC), the event has evolved from a week-long affair to a 15-day extravaganza since 2010 due to its growing popularity.
The Adivasi Mela serves as a vital platform to raise awareness about the tribal development scenario in the state. It sheds light on how tribal communities seamlessly integrate with the mainstream while preserving their unique cultural identity. With an average attendance of over 10 lakh people, the event has become a happy gathering for procuring organic tribal products and minor forest produce.
