ST & SC Development Department

Fairs and festivals have been an integral part of the lifestyle of the people of Orissa, especially the tribals. The State of Orissa has 62 tribes with each tribe boasting of its own distinct identity and culture. Such variety in the ethnicity and culture, adds colour to an already rich canvas of aesthetics and culture of our state.

As in previous years, the Annual Adivasi (Tribal) Exhibition will be held from 26^th Jan to 1^st February 2005 in the Adivasi Exhibition Ground, Unit-I, Bhubaneswar where the traditional tribal culture and ethos of Orissa will be showcased in the 7 days long carnival. As in the past, the Exhibition is expected to be inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Orissa on 26^th January, 2004 at 4:00 pm in the presence of Minister and Minister of State, S.T. & S.C. Development. It will remain open for the visitors from 3:00 pm till 9:00 pm. There is no Entry Fee.

The Exhibition will be unfolding a repertoire of tribal culture, their lifestyle, habitats and more by giving a glimpse to the visitors of tribal way of life. Tribals differ in their social organization, language, rituals, festivals, dress, ornamentation, art and craft from each other and in a forum like this they depict their cultural identity and distinctiveness. Each fact of their life is deeply connected with religious belief, ritual practices, livestock sacrifices, and belief in the supernatural powers. It is these aspects of their culture that give meaning and depth to their lives, and solidarity to their social structure. The Exhibition will attempt to portrays some of these facets of tribal life.

Visitors to the Exhibition will also get an opportunity to see and buy the various handicrafts made by the tribal. The special feature of these artistic products are that these are both utilitarian as well as aesthetic, and religiously and socially symbolic and significant. These exquisite artifacts are primarily made from brass, bamboo, cane, cloth, sabai grass, terracotta, etc. Besides, agricultural produce like various lentils, cereals, turmeric, honey each marked for their unmatched purity and quality will also be available for sale in the Exhibition.

The Exhibition will be organized by the various Agencies and various Govt. functionaries working all round development of the tribal people. The Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (I.T.D.A.s) are the frontline development bodies benefiting the tribals directly through infrastructure development and formulating income generating schemes. The various pavilions put up by these institutions in the Exhibition will be depicting the uniqueness of each tribe in terms of culture, tradition and habitat. Other organizations like OMFED, TRIFED, OREDA, I.G. of Prisons, Handicrafts and Cottage Industries, Directorate of Horticulture, Directorate of Soil Conservation, Fisheries, etc will also be presenting their products, services and activities carried out in the tribal areas.

The tribes of Orissa have retained their rich and varied heritage of colourful dance and music which forms the integral part of their festivals and rituals. It is through them and their art and craft that the tribals seek to satisfy their inner urge for revealing their soul and to express the joy of a carefree life. It will be a unique treat and a remembrance for the visitors to witness these dance forms and music performed by different tribal groups in the Open Air Stage in the Exhibition.

16 ST & SC students of the High Schools run by the Department will be awarded prizes in recognition of their excellence in the Annual High School Certificate Examination, 2004. The Headmasters and Headmistresses of these schools will be felicitated as a mark of their exemplary guidance to the students.

Last but not the least, a Play performed by the staff of the S.T. & S.C. Development Department based on a tribal theme will be a sheer delight to watch.

The Exhibition will come to a close on 1^st February 2005. The closing ceremony is expected to be presided over by H.E. the Governor, Orissa.