TRIFED’s Aadi Mahotsav was held to provide comprehensive support to tribal artisans and entrepreneurs, to provide holistic support to tribal communities by addressing issues such as finance, healthcare, skill development, postal services, and entrepreneurship, thereby fostering socioeconomic development and empowerment.

The Aadi Mahotsav or the National Tribal Festival, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, ended on 18 February. The Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) showcased its commitment to empowering tribal communities during the nine-day festival, which was held from February 10 to February 18 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.

Union Minister Arjun Munda stated that the Aadi Mahotsav is an attempt to promote the tribal culture, way of life, and glorious traditions in addition to providing a stage for showcasing the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship of the tribal artisans.

The program has proven to be a turning point toward tribal empowerment and self-reliance while also providing our tribal youth with the chance to become new producers and entrepreneurs. More than 50,000 people attended the Aadi Mahotsav. It witnessed the active participation of industry stalwarts like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), with more than 35 Industry leaders and start-ups like ITC, Patanjali, Sagar Ratna, Zomato, Blinkit, Ship Rocket, Health Horizon and many more in different segments of organic, handicrafts, honey, painting and artifacts.

The tribal entrepreneurs showcased their products opening new opportunities for collaboration and bulk supplies through State Corporation, SHGs and individual buyers. A MoU was signed between TRIFED and ITC, furthering marketing of turmeric cultivation regions which has left an inspiring precedent for other corporates to follow suit. The event also saw convergences with various government departments and organizations, including the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Department of Posts, and IFCI, further enriching the experience for participants.

Artisans from 27 states and union territories demonstrated their exceptional craftsmanship and also shared the untold stories woven into each masterpiece. The event generated more than Rs. 1.80 crore in cash sales as well as sales through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, with 170 tribal artisans joining the digital platform for the first time.