National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ 2025: A Celebration of India’s Indigenous Heritage
The National Tribal Festival, ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, is not just a celebration but an economic and social movement aimed at preserving India’s tribal heritage.
The National Tribal Festival, ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, is a prestigious annual event organized to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, traditions, and crafts of India’s tribal communities. Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. Organized by TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the festival, from February 16 to 24, showcases the rich heritage, arts, crafts, cuisine, and commerce of India’s tribal communities.
The festival is held in different parts of India, with the major event taking place in New Delhi every year.
Significance of Aadi Mahotsav
The term ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ translates to the ‘Festival of the Indigenous’, reflecting its purpose of promoting tribal culture, traditions, and livelihoods. India has a large tribal population, constituting around 8.6% of the total population, with over 700 scheduled tribes spread across different states. These communities have preserved their distinct lifestyles, arts, and traditions over generations.
The festival serves as a national-level platform for these communities to:
- Showcase their handmade crafts, paintings, and artefacts.
- Present their music, dance, and folk traditions.
- Promote organic and forest-based products.
- Gain access to a wider market for economic development.
Aadi Mahotsav helps bridge the gap between urban and tribal India by encouraging direct interaction between tribal artisans and buyers, thereby eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair wages for their labour.
Vibrant Tribal Showcase
The festival features:
- 600+ artisans from 30+ States/UTs
- 500 performers showcasing tribal dances like Chhau, Kalbelia, and Siddhi Dhamal
- 25 food stalls offering indigenous tribal cuisine
Empowering Tribal Artisans & Entrepreneurs
President Murmu emphasized the role of Aadi Mahotsav in uplifting tribal communities, highlighting government efforts such as 1.25 lakh tribal children being educated through 470+ Eklavya Model Residential Schools. She called the festival a vital platform for promoting tribal heritage and connecting artisans to national and international markets.
Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare
Under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, several key initiatives have been launched:
- PM-JANMAN Abhiyan (2023) – ₹24,000 crore for essential services to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
- Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2024) – ₹80,000 crore for infrastructure, housing, and welfare in 63,000 tribal villages
Key Highlights & Industry Collaborations
- Live painting sessions by tribal artists
- 25+ MoUs signed with design institutes and corporate houses
- E-commerce expansion across eight major platforms
- International delegations from Sri Lanka & Indonesia
- MoUs with industry leaders, including IFCA, NEST, and HPMC
Conclusion
The National Tribal Festival, ‘Aadi Mahotsav’, is not just a celebration but an economic and social movement aimed at preserving India’s tribal heritage. By providing a national platform for tribal artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs, the festival ensures that their contributions to India’s cultural diversity and economy are recognized and rewarded.
With growing support from the government, private sectors, and consumers, Aadi Mahotsav is set to become a global symbol of India’s indigenous traditions, self-reliance, and sustainable development.
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