Adivasi Mela

Inaugural & Valedictory Functions

The Annual Adivasi Mela 2025 was organized from 5th to 16th January at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, Unit-3, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with the aim of showcasing the rich heritage, art, culture, and livelihoods of the tribal communities of Odisha.

The event was inaugurated on 5th January 2025 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha. The occasion was also graced by the esteemed guests Shri Nityananda Gond, Hon’ble Minister, ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, and Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Odisha.

Whole Event Area

Explore the sprawling festival grounds spanning across multiple zones, each dedicated to different aspects of tribal life including exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.

Navigate through themed pavilions, outdoor stages, demonstration areas, and cultural zones that showcase the diversity and richness of Adivasi traditions from across India.

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Adivasi Gaon (Tribal Village)

Adivasi Gaon" (Tribal Village) is one of the most captivating attractions of the Adivasi Mela. It is a living exhibition that showcases the traditional lifestyle, indigenous knowledge systems, housing patterns, tools, agricultural practices, and socio-cultural customs of different tribal communities The setup recreates an authentic village environment, allowing visitors to experience the daily life, rituals, and artistic expressions of tribal people.This unique initiative promotes cultural understanding, helps in the preservation of tribal heritage, and celebrates the rich diversity of the tribes of Odisha.

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Adivasi Haat (Tribal Market)

Adivasi Haat is one of the core segments of the Adivasi Mela, aims to promoting, propagating, and marketing forest products cultivated by tribal communities.

During the Adivasi Mela 2025, a total of 147 stalls were opened by the ITDAs, MPAs, TRIFED (Outside Odisha) and other Government Organizations to sponsor ST Self Help Groups (SHGs).

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Tribal Craft & Live Demonstration

Art and Craft was also an important part of the mega event ‘Adivasi Mela’ which reflects the rich cultural heritage, traditional skills, and indigenous aesthetics of tribal communities. Rooted in nature and daily life style, these art forms are not only expressions of creativity but also carry spiritual, functional, and social significance. Events like the Adivasi Mela play a vital role in promoting these crafts, helping to preserve age-old traditions, provide livelihood opportunities to tribal artisans, and enhance their popularity among wider audiences. In Adivasi Mela, 2025 total 41 stalls of art and craft were displayed. The detail is given below.

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Tribal Freedom Fighters Pavilion

Honor the brave Adivasi heroes who fought for India's independence and continue to inspire generations with their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice for their people.

Explore exhibits showcasing the stories of legendary tribal freedom fighters like Birsa Munda,Laxman Naik, Tantya Bhil, Alluri Sitarama Raju, and many other unsung heroes of our nation.

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Cultural Performances

One of the major attractions of the Adivasi Mela is its vibrant cultural programmes, especially the captivating tribal dances and music. Various tribal communities from across Odisha take the stage to perform their traditional dances, offering a vivid glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. These performances beautifully reflect the tribal life style highliting their communal spirit, spiritual beliefs, deep connection with nature, and festive traditions.

The Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC) has played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving tribal heritage by providing a dedicated platform for these cultural presentations during the Adivasi Mela.

Tribal Food Court

Visitors experienced the authentic taste of tribal cuisines, prepared using traditional methods and indigenous ingredients. It offered them a unique journey into traditional flavors and cooking techniques that had been passed down through generations. The Tribal Food Court served as a dynamic platform that showcased organic forest produce and traditional recipes, while also promoting sustainable food practices and the deep connection between tribal communities and nature.

Even today, it celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Odisha’s tribes—where every dish tells a story of culture, resilience, and harmony with the environment. Guests relished millet-based staples, seasonal wild fruits, leafy greens, smoked and sun-dried delicacies, and herbal drinks known for their nutritional and healing properties. At the Tribal Food Court, food was more than just a meal—it is still a cultural journey that brings people closer to the wisdom of the forest, the spirit of togetherness, and the timeless traditions that continue to thrive in tribal life

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