Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: Adivasi Mela has been inaugurated at Unit-1 Adivasi ground in Bhubaneswar. It displays tribal cult in 90 stalls. However, for the first time, every transaction is going in virtual mode for a precaution covid-19.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the fair in the eve of Republic Day. Among others, Minister for SC&ST Department Jagannath Sarika, Development Commissioner Pradip Kumar Jena, Principal Secretary of the concerned department Ranjana Chopra, and Member Secretary of ATLC Dr. Akhila Bihari Ota joined the function as guests.
All of them in their speech stated the significance of the fair. This year 22 Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDA) and 17 Micro projects have selected 90 beneficiaries to participate in the fair.
As many as 90 eligible Self Help Groups are displaying their tribal produces in their stalls. These goods showcase the culture, livelihood, tradition, art, and sculpture of the ancient hill tribes.
Apart from it, a good number of forest products are being exhibited in separate stalls for trade.
From the opening ceremony, Adivasi Mela is gathering a good number of visitors amid Covid guidelines.
The mela authority has got every provision at the entrance to manage overcrowding in the ground. Only registered visitors are allowed into the ground.
The SC&ST Department has hosted a website adivasimela2021.com to facilitate sales online.
Apart from that, every entertainment programme is being telecasted live from the ground.