13th National Tribal Dance Festival and Craft Mela Begins in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The vibrant tapestry of Indian tribal culture unfolded at the inauguration of the 13th National Tribal Dance Festival and National Tribal Craft Mela, held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in the city. The three-day dance festival, scheduled from January 5 to January 7, 2024, and the craft mela, spanning from January 5 to January 11, 2024, promises a rich showcase of diverse tribal dance forms and traditional crafts.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Jagannath Saraka, Minister ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare.

During the inaugural ceremony, Saraka emphasized the unique and diverse cultural heritage brought forth by tribal communities. He acknowledged the talent demonstrated by new generations and the growing interest of researchers in studying and disseminating tribal culture globally. The event was also attended by dignitaries like Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Indramani Tripathy, Director of SCSTRTI, Santosh Rath, Deputy Director, and Samarendra Bhutia, OSD of SCSTRTI.

As part of the program, an anthology titled ‘Shades on Canvas’ featuring paintings by tribal artists from Odisha was released. Published by SCSTRTI, the coffee table book captures the artistic imaginations of 26 young tribal artists, vividly showcasing tribal art, culture, and lifestyle.

Supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and organized by SCSTRTI under the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, the event attracts artisans, performers, and enthusiasts from across the country. Artisans from 12 states are participating in the craft exhibition, showcasing traditional artifacts in over 70 stalls. Tribal artists from 14 states, including Odisha, will present various traditional performances, making this festival a vibrant celebration of India’s tribal heritage for the 13th consecutive year.

The dance festival, taking place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, will spotlight a variety of tribal dance forms from different regions of the country. Simultaneously, the National Tribal Craft Mela, open from 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM, offers a kaleidoscope of colors and skills, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities.