Bhubaneswar, Jan. 26: A 15-day-long Adivasi Mela started in the city on the Republic Day today. Residents will have an opportunity to catch glimpses of the culture, tradition and lifestyle of tribal people of the state for these 15 days.

In the annual fair, tribal people will exhibit their products of different varieties at as many as 180 kiosks. The products include jewelleries and other handicraft items. Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the fair at the Adivasi exhibition ground.

Moreover, the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies has erected nearly 29 model houses for showcasing the lifestyle of the tribal people. Also, micro projects replicating culture and architectural traits of the ethnic community have been put in place, said SC and ST department secretary Surendra Kumar.

The annual fair last year had witnessed a footfall of around eight lakh and made a business of around Rs 7 crore. The organisers, this year, are expecting around 10 lakh visitors and a business of around Rs 9 crore.

In another development, Odisha governor S.C. Jamir today conferred medals on various policemen and employees for their services and efficient work during 2014 and 2015. The personnel were awarded the Governor's Medal and Police Medal at a function post the Republic Day march here.

As many as 26 police officials and employees have been awarded the Governor's Medal for the year 2014 and 2015 while 11 police personnel were awarded the Police Medal for their services.

Among the awardees are twin city police commissioner R.P. Sharma, Ganjam police superintendent Narasing Bal, Cuttack vigilance SP Amitendra Nath Sinha and intelligence director Sunil Roy.