Lucknow: The six-day Tribal Participation Festival commenced in Lucknow on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda. The event, held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan (IGP) from November 13 to 18, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who officially launched the celebrations with traditional drum beats.
The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and State Minister (Independent Charge) Social Welfare Asim Arun, among other dignitaries. The Chief Minister welcomed and felicitated nearly 600 tribal artists from 22 states participating in the festival, highlighting the rich cultural diversity of India’s tribal communities.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the significance of the ongoing Tribal Pride Fortnight, observed from November 1 to 15 under the Prime Minister’s inspiration, aimed at encouraging tribal communities to take pride in their traditions, culture, cuisine, art, and music.
“The festival in Lucknow is a grand confluence of culture, with participation from states like Arunachal Pradesh and exhibitions showcasing tribal crafts, literature, and artifacts, reflecting their love for and connection to their heritage,” the Chief Minister said.
He also highlighted the historic significance of the year, marking the 150th anniversaries of three monumental events: the birth of Birsa Munda, the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in nation-building, and the immortal national song “Vande Mataram.” The Chief Minister recalled the indomitable courage of Birsa Munda, who sacrificed his life at the age of 25 fighting against colonial oppression, leaving behind a legacy of valor and patriotism.
During the festival, the Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh welcomed tribal artists from across the country, praising the government’s initiatives to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of tribal communities. Singh highlighted projects like the Tharu Tribal Museum in Balrampur and stated that on November 15, CM Yogi Adityanath would personally participate in Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary celebrations in the tribal-majority district of Sonbhadra.
State Minister Asim Arun described the Tribal Participation Festival not merely as a cultural program but as a living representation of India’s diverse societal fabric, showcasing tribal lifestyle, crafts, folk arts, music, and cuisine. He also acknowledged the government’s efforts in establishing Eklavya and Sarvodaya schools for tribal children.
The Chief Minister toured various state stalls at the festival, accompanied by notable officials including Legislative Council member Subhash Yaduvansh, UP Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission Chairperson Baijnath Rawat, Vice-Chairpersons Jeet Singh Kharwar and Bechan Ram, and Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Welfare Department L. Venkateshwar.
The festival aims to strengthen the connection between tribal communities and mainstream society while celebrating their rich heritage and contributions to India’s cultural mosaic.
