A day after the country observed Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas marking the birth anniversary of revered tribal leader and freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda who hailed from Khunti district in Jharkhand, his great grandson Sukhram Munda today inaugurated the annual Aadi Mahotsav at Dilli Haat in the national Capital.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), a unit of the Union ministry of Tribal Affairs is holding the fortnight long annual event which started on November 15 and will conclude on November 30. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is celebrating the spirit of tribal craft, cuisine and commerce since 2017.
Union Tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda, ministers of state Subhash Sarkar, Padma awardee Mary Kom and others attended the event. Apart from these tribal leaders from Khunti, including those from Central Sarna Samiti, too were present on the occasion.
Inaugurating the event, Sukhram Munda said, “The event will give an opportunity to tribals to sell the produce at higher price. Such markets will make tribals and tribes living in forests financially strong thus by improving the living standard of tribals.” Sukhram Munda thanks the Union Government for holding such an event. Sukhram Munda on the occasion also threw light on the life and contribution of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said the event will give an opportunity to tribals to market their produce.
“The Aadi Mahostav will provide ample opportunity to tribals and people living in forest to sell their produce. This is a step in making Country self-reliant making the country atma nirbhar.”
Launched in 2017, Aadi Mahotsav is an attempt to familiarise people with the rich and diverse craft, culture of tribal communities across the country.
Around 1,000 tribal artisans, artists and chefs from more than 20 States had participated in the national tribal festival at Dilli Haat in February.
There will be over 200 stalls in the November edition of the festival which will have hand-woven cotton, silk fabrics, wool, metal craft, terracotta and bead-work, etc. on display.
The Aadi Mahostav follows the Modi government celebrating ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ on November 15 to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda popularly known as Dharti Aaba.
On Monday, launching the Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas to mark the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda in Bhopal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said it was an occasion to remember the contributions of tribals in India’s freedom movement and nation building.