On the day of the state’s foundation, Chhattisgarh kicks off a tribal dance festival
At the inauguration of the third edition of the National Tribal Dance Festival today at Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said it’s essential to preserve tribal cultures, adding modern notions of development have damaged nature and threatened tribal people’s rights.
From November 1 to 3, Science College will host the three-day festival on the state’s foundation day. It’s hosting over 1,500 tribal artists from India and 10 other countries, including Mozambique, Mongolia, Tongo, Russia, Indonesia, Maldives, Serbia, New Zealand and Egypt. A bunch of groups from Mozambique, Russia, and Mongolia performed during the day, and dancers from Assam, Haryana, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Togo at night.
On the festival’s first day, Tamradhwaj Sahu, the Chhattisgarh Home Minister, and Governor Anusuiya Uikey attended, according to Sunil Singh, joint director of the Chhattisgarh Information Centre in New Delhi. The state and Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote tribal artists from Chhattisgarh abroad.
There are food stalls of regional and international cuisine and booths by transport, health, and police departments to spread awareness of government programs.
(The writer is a guest of the Chhattisgarh government)
