Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Adivasi Mela 2026 at the Adivasi Ground in Unit 1 in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the state’s rich tribal heritage.
The five-day event, running until February 5, features 1140 participants, including 325 tribal women from self-help groups. The mela showcases 109 stalls and 10 tribal huts reflecting the community’s lifestyle, architecture, and cultural practices.
Majhi emphasized that the tribal community has been living in harmony with nature for thousands of years, contributing to Odisha’s diverse culture.
“Odisha is a land of diverse cultures, where tribal communities have been living in harmony with nature for thousands of years, and their lifestyle, traditions, and thoughts are giving a new direction to society,” said Majhi during the inauguration of Adivasi Mela 2026.
On the occasion, CM Majhi said that whenever the country and nation have needed, tribal communities have always stepped forward to protect the motherland, sacrificing their lives. He recalled the immense sacrifices of tribal revolutionary leaders like Veer Surendra Sai, Martyr Laxman Naik, Revolutionary Dharanidhar Naik, Martyr Madho Singh, and Rendo Majhi.
Moreover, Majhi stated that Odisha’s geographical location shows that tribal communities predominantly reside in southern and northern Odisha. To address regional disparities, the government has decided to establish the Southern Odisha Development Council and Northern Odisha Development Council.
Chief Minister Majhi addressed the gathering, highlighting that the Adivasi Mela showcases the rich traditions, food, attire, art, culture, and folk art of Odisha’s 62 tribal communities. He emphasized that the mela is not just entertainment, but a reflection of tribal life, their struggles, and connection with nature.
Last year’s mela generated Rs 9 crore in business, and this year’s event is expected to surpass that.
Majhi noted that tribals comprise a quarter of Odisha’s population and have a constitutional right to be part of the development mainstream. He stressed that if this segment isn’t developed and empowered, Odisha can’t achieve prosperity.
The government is working on various programs and schemes for the holistic development of tribal communities, he added.
CM also emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of tribal communities, particularly regarding land, forest, and water resources. “The security of your land, forest, and water is the responsibility of the Mohan government. Rest assured,” he said.
Majhi released a research journal ‘Adivasi’ published by the department and honoured outstanding tribal individuals from various fields.
Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Minister Nityananda Gond said culture is a reflection of a nation’s rich heritage, tradition, and self-respect. “Our government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is working diligently to integrate tribal communities into the mainstream of development,” he added.
Gond highlighted various government schemes for tribal welfare, including the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission, Merit Scholarship for students, and the Madho Singh Allowance Scheme to reduce dropout rates.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary B. Parmeshwaran delivered the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony. Director, SCSTRTI, Sudhakar Sabar, expressed gratitude.
