President Murmu inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav, interacts with tribal artisans, purchases Chanderi saree woven by Sahariya weavers

The President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Aadi Mahotsav 2024 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our country is full of diversity. But the sentiment of ‘unity in diversity’ has always been present. 

The reason for this sentiment is our enthusiasm to know, understand and adopt each other's traditions, food and language. This feeling of respect for each other is at the core of our unity. 

Unique confluence of tribal culture and heritage

Murmu was happy to witness the unique confluence of tribal culture and heritage of different states at the Aadi Mahotsav. She said that it is a good opportunity to get acquainted with the lifestyle, music, art and cuisine of the tribal brothers and sisters from every corner of the country. She expressed confidence that people will get an opportunity to know and understand many aspects of the life of the tribal society during this festival.

President interacts with tribal artisans

President visited various stalls and interacted with tribal artisans during the event. She purchased Chanderi saree woven by Sahariya weavers (PVTG) residing in Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh, wild mushrooms grown at a high altitude of about 15000 ft at Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. 

Tribal members showed their love towards President 

Tribal community members showed their love and affection towards President by gifting Longpi pottery made from a mixed paste of ground black serpentine and special clay found in Manipur, which were hand painted by tribal artists from Jharkhand. President also praised woolen products like Pashmina wool from Leh.

On the occasion, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda in the presence of Droupadi Murmu launched the  Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes (VCF-ST).  She expressed confidence that this will promote entrepreneurship and start-up culture among the people of ST community. She urged the youth of the tribal community to take advantage of this scheme and establish new enterprises and contribute to building of a self-reliant India.

On the occasion, Arjun Munda said that  the tribal tradition, sanskriti and pride is represented through Aadi  Mahotsav. In India, there are more than 11 crore tribal population and this celebration is a light of hope and respect for tribals.