Tribal art and fashion show attracts over 2.9 million visitors
08 Feb 2021
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The ongoing Aadi Mahotsav at Delhi’s Dilli Haat that showcases the diversity and variety of Indian tribes, providing a peek into the rich tribal culture of the country, is already a grand success with over 2.9 million people having visited the show as of Sunday (7 February 2021).
One striking aspect of Sunday evening’s programme was a spectacular tribal fashion show that featured designs and clothes handcrafted by tribal master craftsmen and curated by the famous tribal artisan Ruma Devi and the renowned fashion designer Rina Dhaka. The resplendent weaves and fabrics came to life in the crafted designs that reflect the close connection tribals have with nature.
A major attraction of the Tribes India Aadi Mahotsav has been the cultural programmes, which showcase the diversity and variety of Indian tribes. This was the highlight on Day 6 of the Aadi Mahotsav. which will continue till 15 February.
The cultural show featured beautiful tribal weaves from various parts of the country – sarees, kurtis, tops, shawls, stoles and exquisite accessories like jewellery from the North East or dhokra jewellery and bags such as Banjara bags.
“The Aadi Mahotsav showcases traditional art and handicrafts and the rich, diverse cultural heritage of our tribes. Their close connection with nature and simplicity can be seen in their weaves, clothes, fabrics, and art forms. I am happy that TRIFED is doing its best to help in popularising tribal culture to the larger audiences,” Pravir Krishna, managing director, TRIFED, said during the occasion.
Other attractions of the show included scintillating display of art forms during cultural performances on Saturday evening. These included Baigi parondha nritya from Madhya Pradesh, Kharsawan Chhau from Jharkhand; Sambalpuri nritya from Odisha; and Jaunsari nritya from Uttarakhand.
The Aadi Mahotsav show also provides opportunity for ethnic shopping of beautiful tribal handicrafts and products, ranging from jewellery to clothes and organic natural produce, tribal artistic forms and tribal cuisine.
The fortnight-long festival features exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and more through 200 stalls. About 1,000 tribal artisans and artists from across the country are participating in the festival.
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the ministry of tribal affairs, as the nodal agency working towards tribal empowerment, has been putting in place several initiatives that help in improving the income and livelihood of the tribal people, while preserving their way of life and tradition. The Aadi Mahotsav is one such initiative that helps enable the economic welfare of these communities and bring them closer towards mainstream development.
The Aadi Mahotsav- A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture and Commerce is on at Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi till the 15 February 2021 from 11 am to 9 pm.
The Aadi Mahotsav is an annual event that started in 2017. The festival is an attempt to familiarise people with the rich and diverse craft and culture of tribal communities across the country, at one place. However, due to the pandemic, the 2020 edition of the festival could not be held.
