Bhubaneswar: As part of the nationwide celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh—observed from November 1 to 15, 2025—to honour the rich tribal heritage, culture, and their immense contribution to nation-building, the Odisha State Tribal Museum has launched a series of special programmes and exhibitions dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary.
Organised under the aegis of the Department of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Odisha, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), the celebrations aim to highlight the legacy of the legendary tribal freedom fighter and the vibrant cultural traditions of Odisha’s tribal communities.
A special Bhagwan Birsa Munda Pavilion has been set up at the museum to mark the occasion. The pavilion features a painting exhibition illustrating the life and struggles of Birsa Munda, alongside a photo exhibition showcasing the unique lifestyles, customs, and art forms of various tribal communities of Odisha.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, members of the Kulis tribe are giving live demonstrations of traditional textile weaving, while Juang tribal artists are displaying their distinctive paintings that reflect their community’s heritage and worldview.
To engage young audiences, the museum has also organised special guided tours for school and college students, offering them a deeper understanding of Odisha’s tribal history and culture.
It may be recalled that the Government of India had declared the period from November 15, 2024, to November 15, 2025, as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and to celebrate the remarkable contributions of India’s tribal communities to the nation’s growth and identity.
