Bhubaneswar: The state government's decision to change the venue of the annual Adivasi Mela from Adivasi Ground at Unit I to Exhibition Ground at Unit III has angered residents and participants of the annual tribal fair.

Though, the preparation for organisation of the fair at Exhibition Ground is on in full swing, people here are not happy since they feel that Adivasi Ground, which was built in 1950 to host the fair, will lose its importance.

"It is one of the oldest and unique fair held here.The government should rethink its decision to change the fair's venue," said octogenarian and Tankapani Road resident Ananta Charan Pati.

Since 1951, the 15-day exhibition kick starts on the Adivasi Ground every year on January 26. The fair showcases tribal culture in all its varied and myriad forms.

Justifying the decision, a press release of the schedule caste and schedule tribe development department said on Wednesday that the shift had to be done because of the rise in footfall at the fair and consequent traffic congestion near the Adivasi Ground.

"Visitors were facing a lot of problem during rush hours at Adivasi Ground and we have decided to move to the Exhibition Ground since it has more space to accommodate the rush and park vehicles," said an official.

Upset at the change of venue, the participants say that the Exhibition Ground lacks amenities and facilitates for such an event. While the Adivasi Ground has facilities such as dormitory, toilets and drinking water, Exhibition Ground has none of these.

"We don't find living at the Exhibition Ground comfortable due to the absence of facilities such as toilets and dormitories," said Dina Majhi, a participant.

The weather is also not going to be friendly for the participants. The meteorological centre has predicted that winter will remain at its peak even in the last week of January.

However, sources said on-street parking outside the Exhibition Ground was likely to make things difficult for visitors. Besides, the ground is now hosting the National Handloom Fair and will be on during the Adivasi Mela.