The Adivasi Mela, an animated celebration of Odisha's tribal culture, concluded yesterday at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar. With a footfall of over 9 lakh visitors, the mela proved to be a resounding success, generating over Rs 9 crore in revenue. This year, the mela was organized earlier than usual to coincide with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event held in the city earlier this month.
Daily Activities:
The Adivasi Mela offered a diverse range of activities for visitors. Each evening, the mela came alive with captivating tribal dance and music performances. A laser show depicting the life and journey of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a drone show showcasing Odisha's diverse tribes, and a light and sound show highlighting tribal freedom fighters added full of life to the atmosphere. A fashion show and a fireworks show further enhanced the festive spirit. Visitors also had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts, providing an authentic glimpse into the creative practices of indigenous communities.
Food Court:
One of the highlights of the mela was the tribal food court, where visitors could savour authentic tribal cuisine. The food court offered a unique culinary experience, allowing visitors to taste traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients and traditional methods.
Ekamara Utsav:
The Adivasi Mela coincided with the Ekamara Utsav, organized by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). This 12-day celebration, held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground and Ekamara Haat, further enriched the cultural experience for visitors. The Ekamara Utsav featured a variety of cultural performances, food stalls, and craft exhibitions, showcasing the heritage and festive spirit of Bhubaneswar.
Ekamara Haat:
Ekamara Haat, the Night Flea Market, was another highlight of the Ekamara Utsav. Held from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily, Ekamara Haat offered a rainbow mix of traditional and modern products, including sarees, ornaments, and handcrafted items. The market showcased the cultural vibrancy of Odiya heritage, with exhibition stalls offering a wide range of local handloom and handicraft items, wooden and metal artifacts, fashion and jewelry, toys, and much more.
Tribal Products and Model Tribal Houses:
Adivasi Mela featured over 188 stalls selling a variety of tribal products, including forest produce, handicrafts, and daily necessities. Visitors could purchase unique and authentic tribal goods, supporting tribal artisans and farmers while experiencing the richness of their craftmanship. The mela also showcased around 20 replicas of tribal huts, providing visitors with a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of different tribal communities. These huts were meticulously crafted to represent the authentic architectural styles of various tribes, such as the Kutia Kandha, Santhal, Paudi Bhuyan, and Dongria Kandha.
Adivasi Mela 2025 was a grand celebration of Odisha's tribal culture, offering a diverse range of activities, exhibitions, and culinary experiences. The mela's success in attracting a large number of visitors and generating significant revenue highlights its importance in promoting tribal entrepreneurship, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering appreciation for the unique traditions of Odisha's indigenous communities.
