Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Adivasi Mela 2026 at the Adivasi Ground in Unit 1 in Bhubaneswar, highlighting the state’s rich tribal history.
The five-day program, which runs till February 5, has 1140 participants, including 325 tribal women from self-help groups. The mela features 109 stalls and ten tribal cottages that represent the community’s lifestyle, architecture, and traditional activities.
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, Chief Minister Majhi stated that tribal tribes have always given their life to defend the motherland whenever it has been needed. He remembered the tremendous sacrifices made by tribal revolutionary leaders like as Rendo Majhi, Veer Surendra Sai, Martyr Laxman Naik, Revolutionary Dharanidhar Naik, and Martyr Madho Singh.
Furthermore, according to Majhi, the physical position of Odisha indicates that tribal communities are primarily found in the state’s southern and northern regions. The government has chosen to create the Northern Odisha Development Council and Southern Odisha Development Council in order to alleviate regional imbalances.
In his speech, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the Adivasi Mela highlights the diverse customs, cuisine, clothing, artwork, culture, and folk art of Odisha’s 62 tribal communities. He underlined that the mela is a mirror of tribal life, their hardships, and their relationship with nature rather than merely being a source of amusement.
This year’s mela is anticipated to earn more revenue than last year’s, which brought in Rs 9 crore.
According to Majhi, indigenous people make up 25% of Odisha’s population and are entitled by the constitution to participate in mainstream development. He emphasized that Odisha cannot prosper if this group is not empowered and developed.
He continued, “The government is working on a number of programs and schemes for the holistic development of tribal communities.”
Additionally, CM underlined the government’s dedication to defending tribal groups’ rights, especially with regard to land, forest, and water resources. The Mohan government is in charge of protecting your land, forest, and water. “Don’t worry,” he said.
Majhi honored exceptional tribal people in a variety of professions and published the department’s academic magazine, “Adivasi.”
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 outlined several government initiatives for tribal welfare, including as the Madho Singh Allowance Scheme to lower dropout rates, the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission, and the Merit Scholarship for students.
The welcome address at the opening ceremony was given by Commissioner-cum-Secretary B. Parmeshwaran. Sudhakar Sabar, director of SCSTRTI, conveyed gratitude.
