PM Modi opens mega fest to showcase India's tribal culture

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated "Aadi Mahotsav", the mega National Tribal Festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the national capital.

He also paid floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
Birsa Munda, who belonged to the Munda tribe, was born on November 15 in 1875. During British rule in the late 19th century, he spearheaded an Indian tribal religious Millenarian movement across the tribal belt of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand.

His birth anniversary is celebrated as Birsa Munda Jayanti in the country and coincides with the Jharkhand Foundation Day.

According to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, the Aadi Mahotsav, which celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art, is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

The programme will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of tribes from across the country in over 200 stalls at the venue.

Underlining the government's efforts to promote tribal products, PM Modi said that the Centre is working continuously to ensure that the demand for products made by Adivasis should increase.

"In the last eight to nine, events like Aadi Mahotsav that are connected to the tribal community have become a campaign for the country. I myself have become a part of several such programmes. The tribal community's development and welfare is also a matter of personal relations and sentiments for me," said PM Modi.