AadiMahotsav – National Tribal Festival concludes today with participation of more than 1000 artists, artisans and entrepreneurs, FPOs and Vandhan groups

New Delhi:18/2/24: The annual “Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival,” inaugurated by Hon’ble President, Smt. Draupadi Murmu came to an end today 18th February 2024.   The 9-day festival was organized in the heart of the capital city at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, from February 10 to February 18 by TRIFED showcasing its commitment to empowering tribal communities through the celebration of the spirit of Tribal Entrepreneurship, Crafts, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce, The highlights of this year included launching of the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes aiming to nurture startup culture and economic innovation among tribal entrepreneurs.

The event also served as a hub for networking and collaboration as for the very first time a B2B workshop attracting representatives from prominent industry bodies was held on February 13, 2024. It witnessed the active participation of industry stalwarts like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), with more than 35 Industry leaders and start-ups like ITC, Patanjali, Sagar Ratna, Zomato, Blinkit, Ship Rocket, Health Horizon, Bee Celebration, Hyperpure, Himalayan Herbs, Rooftop fostering collaborations and market linkages in different segments of organic, handicrafts, honey, painting and artifacts. The tribal entrepreneurs showcased their products opening new opportunities for collaboration and bulk supplies through State Corporations, SHGs, and individual buyers.   To carry forward the initiative, a dedicated cell in TRIFED and Ministry is being opened for fruitful partnerships.

On this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister Shri Arjun Munda said that Aadi Mahotsav is not only a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship of the tribal artisans, but is also an effort to showcase the tribal culture, lifestyle, and glorious traditions. This scheme will allow our tribal youth to become new entrepreneurs and new producers, this scheme will also prove to be a milestone in the direction of tribal empowerment and self-reliance. Aadimahotsav is not just a festival; it is a platform for empowerment and economic upliftment. Through initiatives like the Van Dhan VikasYojana, we are empowering tribal artisans and entrepreneurs, enabling them to showcase their skills and products to a wider audience.

Secretary (Tribal Affairs), Shri VibhuNayar said that Aadimahotsav 2024, is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s tribal communities.

An MoU was signed between TRIFED and ITC, furthering the marketing of turmeric cultivation regions which has left an inspiring precedent for other corporates to follow suit. The event also saw convergences with various government departments and organizations, including NSTFDC, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Department of Posts, and IFCI, further enriching the experience for participants.

More than 50,000 people visited Aadi Mahotsav, enjoyed special tribal cuisine, and made purchases ranging from organic products, honey, textile, handicrafts, painting and artifacts ensuring their continued prosperity and cultural preservation.