New Delhi: As part of efforts to bridge the gaps of social divide and promote tribal culture, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is set to hold a week long National Tribal Festival- ‘Vanaj' in the national capital.
“This is essentially to advertise the diversity of culture that prevails in the country and also to provide a platform to the tribals so that it helps in conserving and promoting the diverse culture of our country,” said Tribal Affairs Minister, Jual Oram at the curtain raiser of the event.
“This also helps in national integration as the ones who are not aware of the different cultures in the country, they would be aware and it will help in bridging the gaps of social divide,” said Ashok Pai, Joint Secretary of Tribal Affairs Department.
The festival, which will be held from February 13 to February 18, will showcase the tribal art and culture, music, dance and tribal cuisines as well.
“Besides the cultural programmes, there will be an exhibition and sale of tribal products, medicines, paintings, art, handicrafts. Documentary films and
seminar discussions will also be held,” said Oram.
There are approximately 900 participants from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
“It is going to be on the national calender of the ministry so that every year there will be national events like this,” said Pai.
“We are also encouraging that every state government should have this sort of event. This also gives a marketing opportunity to these artisans so that their products get more value,” Pai added.
The festival will be held at three venues. The cultural programmes will be held at Central Park in Connaught Place and the sale of products will be available at Baba Kharak Singh Marg. At the third location, in Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) cultural programmes as well as sale will be held.
