THE DIGITAL TRIBAL CRAFT MELA

Directorate of Art & Culture, Patto- Panaji, Goa in association with Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Panaji & Tribal Research Organization, Khairikattem, Sanguem had organised National Digital “Tribal Craft Mela” 2025 at the Kala Academy Goa, Campal- Panaji- Goa from 17th Jan to 26th Jan Foyer Area celebrating sesquicentennial year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda (150th Birth Anniversary). 

This event was supported by Ministry of Tribal Affairs Government of India, New Delhi under their ‘Support to Tribal Research Institute’ initiative. Digital Tribal Craft Mela was inaugurated by Honble Minister for Art and Culture Shree. Govind Gaude, in presence Director, Directorate of Art and Culture, Dy. Director, Directorate Tribal Welfare and other respected dignitaries. The Tribal Craft Village was set open for the public by Ribbon cutting & was inaugurated by offering floral tribute to the photograph of Tribal leader respected late Bhagwan Birsa Munda on 17 January 2025 at 6 p.m. prior to grand inauguration of 24th Lokotsav at Kala Academy, Darya Sangam on the banks of river Mandovi. 

This event was organized for the first time during Lokotsav 2025 organised by Directorate of Art & Culture. In all 12 stalls of the native Goan Tribals were setup for demonstration, sale & exhibiting Tribal craft, cuisine, literature, herbal medicine, organic farm products etc. These stalls were erected by using the ecofriendly materials like bamboo and bamboo mats, covered with woven coconut palm leaves, the traditional art of tribal community of Goa. The entrance was decorated with the various types of cane (bamboo basket) while traditional statues of Kunbi couple welcomed people visiting the tribal village. An LED screen was setup at the entrance of Kala Academy Complex, continuously playing Life of Goa Tribes’ an informative special video curated by young tribal learned shree Devids Gaonkar