It was a busy Sunday.Venue was Dilli Haat.The Aadi Mahotsav had attracted huge crowds. They had thronged to enjoy a window into rich tribal arts and crafts. 

The main focus was the wide variety of tribal arts and handicrafts being showcased in the fortnight-long festival that celebrates the spirit of tribal crafts, culture, and cuisine. 

With about 200 stalls from across India, the ongoing Aadi Mahotsav is a mini-India where the exquisite craft traditions of tribal artisans – weavers, potters, puppeteers, and embroiders – are all in one place.

Visitors can take their pick from a wide range of artefacts like paintings in the form of the Warli style or  Patachitras. More, jewellery handcrafted in the Dokra style and necklaces from the Wancho and Konyak tribes of the North-East to the rich and vibrant textiles and silks, namely; from colourful puppets and children’s toys to traditional weaves such as Dongria shawls and Bodo weaves; iron craft from Bastar to bamboo craft and cane furniture; pottery such as blue pottery and the famed Longpi pottery. 

The event also saw the visit by some senior dignitaries. Shri Bhaskar Khulbe, Advisor to the Prime Minister visited the Aadi Mahotsav and took a keen interest in the stalls and their wares, including the demo Van Dhan centre installed. In particular, he was very interested in the stall where the 50 tribal GI products have been showcased. 

“I am pleased to note that TRIFED has actively taken up the cause to promote GI Tagged products and transform into a brand, thus empowering tribal artisans. This Aadi Mahotsav is an excellent way to bring all tribal artisans from across the country in a single place.” Shri Khulbe commented as he appreciated the stalls. 

Ms. Anusuiya Uikey, the Governor of Chhattisgarh visited the Aadi Mahotsav earlier in the day and went to all the stalls, especially ones where Chhattisgarh art and handicrafts are on display. She was welcomed by Shri Ramesh Chand Meena, Chairman, TRIFED and Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED. Speaking on the occasion, she commented, “I am very happy that TRIFED has taken this unique initiative which helps provide a wider exposure to the tribal artisans to the next level. I have been associated with TRIFED now for a while and it brings me joy to see Chhattisgarh art and artisans getting a prominent place here.”