Madhya Pradesh CM Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the state Government is working to preserve tribal culture, develop tribal communities, and resolve issues affecting tribal society. He was addressing the closing ceremony of the five-day Adirang Shilpkar Mahotsav 2026 held at Achharpura village near Bhopal. He visited an exhibition of tribal handicrafts created by artisans and appreciated the efforts to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design. The exhibition was organised jointly by the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Tribal Affairs Department. The CM also interacted warmly with the participating artisans.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that through the Adirang Shilpkar Mahotsav, tribal artists have sought to bring the colours of celebration into life through their close relationship with nature. NID has provided new dimensions to traditional tribal art. He said that art and culture can become a source of economic prosperity for many people and that the state government remains committed to this objective.
Tribal Art Gaining Recognition at the National Level
Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said that the Adirang Shilpkar Mahotsav, organised in collaboration with the National Institute of Design, provided an opportunity to witness the talent and creativity of tribal communities. With NID’s support, Madhya Pradesh’s traditional crafts are gaining national recognition.
Director of the National Institute of Design, Dr. Vidya Rakesh, said that Adirang is not merely a craft festival but an initiative that connects design, culture, community and empowerment. Over the past few years, NID has organised design development workshops among Baiga, Gond, Bhil and other tribal communities in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Department.
He said through these workshops, artisans have been introduced to design awareness, product development, branding, packaging and marketing, enabling them to align their art with contemporary market demands. NID has also documented the cultural traditions of tribal communities, an important step towards preserving their rich heritage. These initiatives are creating new opportunities for employment while also promoting cultural development. By connecting tribal communities with the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, NID is playing a significant role in nation-building.
Sharing his experience, tribal artist Gagan Singh Maravi said that the Adirang festival provided Gond painters with an opportunity to learn new techniques and ideas. Bhil artist Smt. Goriya Bhabor said that the festival gave artists a valuable platform to advance and showcase their work.
More Than 140 Tribal Artisans Participated in Adirang Festival
The ceremony highlighted ongoing efforts to promote tribal art, crafts and livelihood enhancement. More than 140 tribal artisans from different regions of Madhya Pradesh participated in the five-day festival. Artisans from Bhil, Gond, Baiga and other tribal communities displayed their traditional art forms, crafts and handmade products.
During the design intervention workshops held as part of the festival, artisans developed new products tailored to market requirements with the guidance of NID Madhya Pradesh faculty members and student volunteers. A special exhibition of products and design concepts developed during these workshops was organised at the closing ceremony.
