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Aadi Mahotsav: It is an annual Tribal Festival that was started in the year 2017.
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Organized by: It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India & Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
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Aim: It aimed to familiarise the people with the rich and diverse craft, and the culture of the tribal communities, in one place.
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Theme: “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Crafts, Culture and Commerce”, which represents the basic ethos of tribal life.
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Why in news? The Vice President of India has inaugurated “Aadi Mahotsav”, a National Tribal Festival.
Key highlights of the festival:
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Tribal Handicrafts: The festival showcased several tribal handicrafts such as:
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Maheshwari sarees of Madhya Pradesh
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Toda embroidery from Tamil Nadu
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Moga silk from Assam
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Tribal dishes: The festival also showcased several tribal dishes from different parts of the country namely:
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Dal Pitha, Dhooska, Chilka roti from Jharkhand
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Gurudi, Jowar papad and roti on Mahalpatta from Maharashtra, and
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Samai urundai, Ragi kali and Thenai rice preparations from Tamil Nadu.
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What is the significance of this festival?
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Tribes constitute over 8% of our population. However, they are among the most disadvantaged sections of society.
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Their crafts are characterised by natural simplicity, with a timeless appeal. The wide range of handicrafts which include hand-woven cotton, silk fabrics, wool, metal craft, terracotta, bead-work, all needs to be preserved and promoted.
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Hence, TRIFED as the nodal agency is working to improve the income and livelihoods of the tribal people, while preserving their way of life and traditions.