Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : TRIBAL COOPERATIVE MARKETING DEVELOPMENT FEDERATION OF INDIA LTD (TRIFED), a Government of India organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, organized “AadiMahotsav – National Tribal Festival” from 16 to 24 February 2025 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The festival aimed to provide direct market access to tribal master craftsmen and women in large metros and state capitals, with this year’s theme “A Celebration of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Tribal Craft, Culture, Cuisine, and Commerce,” representing the basic ethos of tribal life. This is the flagship event of TRIFED for the current financial year. The concept of organizing Adi Mahotsav in major cities has proved to be a boon for tribal artisans by eliminating the middlemen and providing direct access to large markets.
Smt. Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India, inaugurated the Adi Mahotsav festival, attended by dignitaries including Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Ms Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, New Delhi, and other dignitaries. The President said that during the last 10 years, many effective steps have been taken for the overall development of the tribal society.
The festival featured an exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, paintings, jewellery, cane & bamboo products, pottery, food & natural products, gifts, and assortments, with over 250 stalls/state pavilions. Approximately 600 tribal artisans and artists from 30+ States/UTs participated, including tribal cooks from 17 States/UTs with 25 food stalls set up. The event was marked by cultural performances from around 500 tribal artists, showcasing tribal rituals, harvests, festivals, martial art forms, and more, highlighting the rich tribal cultural diversity across the country.
To commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of BhagwanBirsa Munda, life stories about Bhagwan Birsa Munda through paintings, cut-outs, artefacts, etc were displayed. This festival reflects the role of the tribal community in shaping our cultural heritage and the uniqueness of their crafts, cuisine, music, and traditions. While retaining its focus on the welfare of Indian tribal artisans, TRIFED is organizing various events all over India to raise awareness about all its activities across its various divisions.
Through a diverse range of authentic food products, one can explore the rich flavours and cultural heritage of the Bastar region. Not so popular in urban regions, the ‘Mahua Flower” found in remote tribal areas is now being used in pickles, laddoos, and more. The dried mahua flower’s natural sweetness makes it perfect for candies, chutneys, pickles, and laddoos. NGOs and government organizations working in mahua-growing areas are trying to promote these products as an alternative to liquor.
At Jagdalpur in Bastar district, mohua laddoos are slowly becoming a brand under the guidance of Razia Sheikh a Microbiologist who started her career as a food Consultant and became a Woman entrepreneur. She has trained a group of 11 women in Kamanaar village to make the laddoos, optimizing flavour, nutrition as well as hygiene standards. This small but growing enterprise has helped empower these women socially and economically.
She founded Bastar Food Firm & Consultancy Services (BFFCS), in 2017, bringing Food Technologies and R&D to the tribal belt of Bastar and surrounding areas in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. BFFCS provides training and consultancy to various sectors, aiming to meet the growing needs of the food industry in the region. Till Now 28 products have been designed, more than 350 women are working and 2000 people have been trained. The firm is providing training on food Tech to students, Self Help Group women, and unemployed youth with the help of district administration and the forest department.
Guleshwari Thakur, co-founder of Bastar Food Firm, hails from a rural area and deeply appreciates the tribal culture of Bastar. With a Bachelor of Arts in Education, she has been pivotal in shaping the firm’s vision and success. Guleshwari is dedicated to preserving the age-old practices of tribal communities and has connected passionately with small-scale food businesses and artisans in the region.
Razia Sheikh received the Motwani Jadeja International Fellowship in 2019 from the United States for her outstanding work. Additionally, she secured a spot in Niti Aayog’s list of the Top 30 women entrepreneurs at the national level.
She spoke about her venture beginning with the ‘mahua’ flower and her participation in Adi Mohautsab.
“Bastar Foods meticulously sources the finest ingredients and collaborates with local artisans to offer a wide selection of culinary treasures. From aromatic spices and nourishing grains to delightful snacks and refreshing beverages, their products embody the true essence of Bastar’s gastronomy.”
“We offer the finest selection of food products rooted in this vibrant land’s rich traditions and practices starting with the ‘mahua’ flower. Our mission is to provide a seamless online shopping experience while promoting local entrepreneurship, and sustainability, and preserving age-old practices. By working closely with local communities, artisans, and small-scale producers, we understand the importance of traditional techniques, ingredients, and flavours Which are sourced from high-quality food products that showcase the authentic essence of Bastar.”
Bastar Foods is committed to showcasing the Bastar region’s authentic flavours and cultural heritage through high-quality food products. They work with local artisans to source ingredients, support small-scale food businesses, and promote fair trade practices. By organizing educational events on health and wellness, ensuring rigorous quality checks, and emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, Bastar Foods aims to preserve traditional practices. Each purchase aids the economic growth of the community and helps preserve Bastar’s unique food culture.
The public response was overwhelming, as she discussed the participation at Adi Mahotsav 2025. She said, “At the recently concluded Adi Mahotsav 2025, the response received at our stall was overwhelmingly positive. The most significant achievement was that the public actively sought out our brand. This is a clear indicator that our products are gaining recognition and appreciation among a diverse audience.”
She continued, “The positive feedback highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of quality while staying true to the natural essence of tribal food. As we continue to grow, the support from the community and the hard work of the tribal artisans will remain the cornerstone of our success. The key factors contributing to this success include our products’ quality, taste, and natural ingredients. Customers expressed genuine love for the displayed items, which resonated with the festival’s theme of celebrating authentic tribal crafts and culture.
A crucial element in this success is the involvement of young and hardworking tribal girls who play a vital role in sharing their knowledge of tribal foods with the customers. Their dedication and passion for promoting traditional tribal cuisine have created a meaningful connection with the public. This not only promotes our products but also empowers these young women by giving them a platform to showcase their skills and culture. We are also thankful to TRIFED for organizing this festival”.
