PM Modi inaugurates Aadi Mahotsav, a tribal festival in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav, Delhi's largest tribal festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. He also paid floral tribute to tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said, "I was delighted to see different arts, artifacts, music, and cultural display through their products. I feel India’s diversity and its grandness have come together and are standing tall today, highlighting its tradition." (sic)

"New India of the 21st century is working on the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. The government is making efforts to reach out to the people who have been unreached for a long time," he added. "During the last 8-9 years, events like 'Aadi Mahotsav' have become a movement for the country. I too take part in several events; I do it because the welfare of the tribal society is a personal as well as an emotional subject for me," PM Modi added.

The Aadi Mahotsav, which celebrates the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce, and traditional art, is an annual initiative of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Limited (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This year, it is being organized from February 16 to 27 in the national capital, a statement read.

Birsa Munda, who belonged to the Munda tribe, spearheaded an Indian tribal religious Millenarian movement across the tribal belt of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Birsa Munda Jayanti in the country and coincides with the Jharkhand Foundation Day.