Naidu to open tribal festival today

New Delhi: While addressing curtain raiser event on upcoming Aadi Mahotsav, Tribal Affairs Secretary Leena Nair said that over 480 tribal artisans from over 25 states would participate in the festival.

"A special feature of the festival is Tribal India cuisine, recreated and presented in delectable forms to suit urban tastes by special tribal chefs. Also, tribal music and dance would be showcased at the venue every evening as nearly 250 artists from 20 states are expected to perform during the festival," the secretary said.

Nair further added that the festival would be organised at Dilli Haat in New Delhi from November 16 to November 30. The festival would be inaugurated by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday, while Tribal Minister Jual Oram, along with his junior counterparts, would preside over the inaugural function.

Speaking on the occasion, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Ltd (TRIFED) managing director Pravir Krishna said, "The festival would feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric, jewellery and much more through 160 stalls."

In line with the national aspiration to go cashless, for the first time the tribal merchandise stalls would be accepting payment through major credit/debit cards, Krishna said.