‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ to Open New Markets for Tribal Artisans, Strengthen Livelihoods: Ramvichar Netam

Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam addresses the inaugural programme of ‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ at Town Hall in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, emphasising fair prices, wider markets and stronger livelihoods for tribal artisans. Photo: primelookindia.com.com via CG/DPR

Tribal Affairs Minister inaugurates TRIFED’s exhibition at Raipur Town Hall, bringing traditional crafts and handmade products from different states onto a common platform until 2 November.

Key Highlights

• Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam inaugurates ‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ in Raipur.
• TRIFED-organised event to continue at Town Hall until 2 November 2026.
• Tribal artisans, craftspeople and artists from different states showcase and sell their products.
• Minister stresses fair prices, wider market access and better marketing facilities.
• Exhibition also offers opportunities for cultural exchange and learning among artisans.

Raipur: Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam inaugurated ‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ at Town Hall in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, describing the initiative as an important platform for expanding market access for tribal products and strengthening artisans’ livelihoods. Organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), the exhibition will continue until 2 November 2026.

The event brings together tribal craftspeople, artisans and artists from different states, providing a common space to display and sell traditional crafts and handmade products. It aims to promote tribal art and culture while connecting the people behind these products with a wider market.

Tribal Skills Are an Invaluable Cultural Inheritance

Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam is felicitated with a shawl by TRIFED Regional Manager Sandeep Sharma during the inauguration of ‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ at Town Hall in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, as Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sangeeta Gupta looks on. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR

Appreciating the initiative, Netam said tribal communities’ artistic traditions and skills formed an important part of the country’s cultural wealth.

“The art, culture and traditional skills of tribal communities are invaluable treasures of our rich cultural heritage. Providing a suitable market for their products is an important step towards their economic empowerment,” he said.

The minister noted that exhibitions such as Aadi Bazaar helped bring greater visibility to tribal products while creating opportunities for artisans to receive fair returns for their work.

Fair Prices and Wider Recognition for Artisans

Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam examines a handcrafted bamboo product while visiting an artisan’s stall at ‘Aadi Bazaar 2026’ at Town Hall in Raipur on Saturday, 24 October 2026, accompanied by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sangeeta Gupta and other officials. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Netam said products created through the talent and hard work of tribal artisans possessed a distinctive identity. Wider market access and improved marketing facilities were necessary to ensure that craftspeople received appropriate prices.

“Products made through the talent and hard work of tribal artisans have a distinctive identity. They need wider markets and better marketing facilities so that artisans receive a fair price for their efforts,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Aadi Bazaar 2026 would help these products gain recognition and expand livelihood opportunities for their makers.

The exhibition’s display-and-sale format places traditional craftsmanship alongside an opportunity for direct commercial engagement, supporting the event’s focus on economic empowerment.

A Shared Platform for Traditional Art and Craft

The minister welcomed the participation of tribal artists and craftspeople from different parts of the country.

He said bringing them together offered an opportunity to showcase their traditions while learning about one another’s artistic practices, techniques and skills.

“Such events give traditional art and craft greater recognition while allowing artisans from different states to understand and learn from one another’s skills and techniques,” Netam said.

The shared platform, he added, strengthened cultural exchange and encouraged closer connections among tribal communities.

Preserving Heritage While Supporting Livelihoods

Netam said promoting tribal products could contribute to both cultural preservation and stronger household incomes.

He congratulated TRIFED and the officials associated with the exhibition, noting that such initiatives encouraged local products and supported the economic well-being of tribal families.

“Aadi Bazaar 2026 will play an important role in giving tribal products a new identity and expanding livelihood opportunities for artisans,” he said.

Artisans and Officials Attend Opening

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sangeeta Gupta, TRIFED Regional Manager Sandeep Sharma, officials from the departments concerned, craftspeople working in different disciplines, artisans and tribal artists attended the inauguration.