CHHATTISGARH: The second edition of the annual National Tribal Dance Festival, being held in Chhattisgarh from October 28-October 30 concluded on Monday with the commemoration of the Foundation Day of the state. Chhattisgarh was declared an independent state on November 1 in 2000. The three-day event included performances by tribal dancers from 27 Indian states and six union territories, apart from tribal communities representation from countries including Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Syria, Mali, Palestine, and Kingdom of Eswatini.
From Chhattisgarh itself, the artists from tribal areas of Bastar, Dantewada, Koriya, Korba, Bilaspur, Gariabandh, Mainpur, Dhura, Dhamtari, Surguja and Jashpur represented their culture and traditions through their dance forms. Also Read & Watch: Chhattisgarh Launches Its Own Ramayana Trail To Push Religious Tourism In The State
An initiative of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, the first National Tribal Dance Festival was held in 2019. After a one-year hiatus owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the annual festival was back in full swing at Raipur’s Science College grounds.
This year, beside the dance performances, the festival also put out a platform to address economic development initiatives of tribal communities. A showcase of tribal goods and produce was aimed at pushing economic activity in the state and to attract tourism.
As the Covid situation appears to be under control, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel is actively pushing tourism and other economic activities in the state. The event was inaugurated by the CM himself along with Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren as its chief guest.
“State government is making consistent efforts for the welfare and development of tribal people… The event is being organised to provide a platform for cultural exchange between various states of India and other countries. It is a humble initiative of the government to promote tribal culture,” Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said at the launch of the festival. Also Read & Watch: Post-COVID, Travel Is Back, Tier 2-3 Fliers Pushing Traffic: Thomas Cook India Senior VP
Earlier this month, Chhattisgarh tourism had launched Ram Van Gaman Paryatan Paripath, a trail based on Ramayana promoting the mythological route taken by Lord Ram during his exile, clearly indicating the intent to promote tourism in the state.