Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the Adivasi Mela 2026 at the Adivasi Exhibition Ground in Unit-1, Bhubaneswar. The 11-day annual tribal fair, Odisha’s largest celebration of indigenous culture, will continue until February 5.
The event showcases the rich heritage of Odisha’s tribal communities, featuring 1,140 participants, including 325 women from self-help groups. A total of 109 stalls and 10 tribal huts (kudia) have been set up, depicting the lifestyle, architecture, and cultural practices of Odisha’s 62 tribal groups. Visitors can experience traditional food, attire, art, handicrafts, folk music, and dances, highlighting the deep bond between tribals and nature.
In his address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the indelible contributions of tribals to India’s history and freedom struggle. He paid tribute to legendary tribal revolutionaries such as Veer Surendra Sai, Shaheed Laxman Naik, Biprabi Dharanidhar Naik, Shaheed Madho Singh, and Rendo Majhi, who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Majhi described Odisha as a land of diverse cultures where tribal communities have lived in harmony with nature for millennia, enriching society with their traditions and worldview. He noted that tribals constitute about one-fourth of the state’s population and stressed that Odisha’s true progress depends on their inclusive development.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tribal welfare through initiatives like the Mukhya Mantri Janajati Jibika Mission, Mukhya Mantri Medhabruti Chhatra Protsahan Yojana, and efforts to reduce dropout rates among tribal students via the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana. He also highlighted the formation of the South Odisha Development Council and North Odisha Development Council to address regional disparities.
Majhi assured tribal communities that the Mohan government stands committed to protecting their rights over land, forest, and water resources. “The responsibility for safeguarding the land, forests, and water where you reside lies with the Mohan government. You can be assured of this,” he said.
He also unveiled the research journal ‘Adivasi’ published by the department and felicitated outstanding tribal achievers in various fields.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that this year’s fair would exceed last year’s business turnover of Rs 9 crore, promoting economic empowerment through tribal products.
Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Nityananda Ganda underscored the importance of preserving tribal culture as a symbol of heritage, tradition, and self-respect. He praised the government’s efforts under the Chief Minister’s leadership to integrate tribals into the mainstream of development.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary B. Parameswaran delivered the welcome address, while Director of SCSTRTI Sudhakar Sabar proposed the vote of thanks.
The Adivasi Mela serves not just as a platform for entertainment but as a vibrant showcase of tribal life, struggles, and their harmonious relationship with nature.
