Aadi Mahotsav 2026 Inaugurated at CIDCO Urban Haat, Navi Mumbai

Mumbai, 23 October 2026

The national tribal festival Aadi Mahotsav 2026, organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, was inaugurated today at CIDCO Urban Haat, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai. Being held from 23 to 30 October 2026, the festival aims to promote tribal entrepreneurship, preserve India’s rich indigenous heritage and expand market access for tribal artisans and producers.

The festival was inaugurated by Shri Shridar Dube Patil, Chief Executive Officer of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), in the presence of Prof. Dr. Ajit Kumar Khare, Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai. The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Tarul D. Bhavsar, DGM/RM, TRIFED, Regional Office Maharashtra.

The eight-day exhibition-cum-sale brings together a diverse collection of authentic tribal products from different parts of the country, including traditional handicrafts, handlooms and textiles, jewellery, tribal paintings, bamboo and cane crafts, metalwork, forest-based products and value-added tribal produce. The festival provides tribal artisans, producer groups and women-led Self-Help Groups with a platform to showcase their skills, reach wider consumer markets and strengthen their livelihood opportunities.

A traditional Tarpa dance performance by a tribal troupe from Palghar captivated the audience and added a vibrant cultural dimension to the inaugural ceremony. The performance showcased the rich cultural traditions and folk-art heritage of Maharashtra’s tribal communities.

Aadi Mahotsav reflects the Government of India’s commitment to tribal welfare, inclusive development and the promotion of indigenous enterprise. By connecting tribal producers directly with consumers, the initiative seeks to strengthen market linkages, encourage sustainable livelihoods and promote the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

TRIFED invites people from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and neighbouring areas to visit Aadi Mahotsav 2026 with their families during the festive season. Visitors can explore India’s diverse tribal arts, crafts and traditions while supporting tribal artisans through their purchases. The festival also offers an opportunity to make Diwali gifting more meaningful by choosing authentic tribal products and celebrating India’s cultural diversity.

Aadi Mahotsav 2026 will remain open from 23 to 30 October 2026, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at CIDCO Urban Haat, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.

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PIB Mumbai | Nitin Fulluke/Darshana Rane

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