A cottage of a tribal community erected at Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: The festival showcasing the copious art, customs and traditions of tribal life concluded in the state capital today.

Seen as the repository of handicraft, handloom and other tribal products, the two-week Adivasi Mela held on Adivasi Ground, here saw participants from various parts of the state. The festival is organised annually by the SC and ST department.

Artisans belonging to 62 tribes, including 13 primitive tribal groups from districts such as Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Keonjhar, Malkangiri and Jeypore, participated in this edition of the festival.

“The crafts, jewellery and agro-based items are the most sought items every year in Bhubaneswar,” said an official of the department.

Not just families were seen visiting the fair, but with Valentine’s Day round the corner even young couples, too, found it to be appealing hangout to spend some quality time together.

The 30-odd huts replicating the life of the tribal communities became the cynosure of the festival. The beautifully decorated huts of tribes such as Lanjia Saura, Juangs, Kandha, Santhal, Desia narrated the story about the significance art and craft in the society of tribal communities.

Most of the 150-odd kiosks at the festival sold attractive home décor items made of wood, horns and metal. Sculptures and paintings too were exhibited at the fair.

Homemakers queued up to buy edible items such as turmeric, mustard, black gram and pulses. Young girls could not take their eyes off the striking tribal jewellery.

“Some of the earrings, neck pieces and bangles were simply stunning. I bought few items from myself and my friends,” said Abhilasha Routray, who came shopping on Sunday.

The artisans also had a hearty time interacting with city folks. The fair also opened a window for cultural interaction between the tribes and city residents.

“Shoppers from the developed cities have not just admiration for our work but also respect. They are so inquisitive about how we make all these items,” said Lulu, a salesman selling bamboo artwork. Dance recitals laced with thumping music and arresting movements had regaled the visitors every evening. An official said the business was recorded more than Rs 5 crore on Sunday afternoon.