Tribal artistes to showcase talent in Adirang Mahotsav

The National School of Drama (NSD) will host the 7th edition of Adirang Mahotsav from March 21 to 23 on its New Delhi campus.

The festival will bring together over 300 tribal artistes from across the country, showcasing their theatre, music, dance, crafts and traditional wisdom.

Curated under the leadership of NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy, Adirang Mahotsav aims to bring India’s tribal communities into the cultural mainstream while ensuring the preservation of their age-old traditions.

Tripathy said: “Adirang Mahotsav is not just a festival. It is a commitment to honour the artistic and spiritual wisdom of India’s tribal societies. Their traditions, deeply rooted in nature and community life, deserve to be celebrated and preserved.”

The festival will open on March 21 at 6:30 pm with the theatrical performance, ‘Bir Birsa’, presented by Maidi’s Artists’ Association from East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. The play pays tribute to Birsa Munda, the legendary tribal leader who fought against British colonial rule and became a symbol of resistance and empowerment. Through a powerful mix of music, dance and storytelling, the performance will bring to life his enduring legacy.

On the second day, March 22, the festival will feature another theatrical masterpiece, ‘Bana Guda’ from Odisha, which weaves together elements of folklore, bravery and mythology to narrate a compelling tribal legend.

The final day, March 23, will culminate in a grand closing ceremony, wrapping up the festival’s vibrant performances and cultural exhibits.

Alongside theatre, Adirang Mahotsav-2025 will present a breathtaking showcase of tribal dance and music, bringing together traditions from 13 states.

Audiences can expect performances that capture the essence of India’s diverse tribal heritage, including the Rhythmic Rabha dance from Assam, energetic Gussadi dance from Andhra Pradesh, vibrant Juju Jaja and Rikam Pada dances from Arunachal Pradesh and colourful Siddi Dhamal and Padhar Dance from Gujarat.

Jharkhand’s traditional Paika, Mardani and Jhhomer dances will highlight the region’s deep martial traditions, while Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnauri Nat dance will bring the graceful movements of the Himalayan tribes to the stage. Madhya Pradesh will present the lively Gudum Baja, known for its high-energy drumming, along with displays of traditional herbal Tulsi products, bell metal Bharewa art and paper mâché creations.

Maharashtra’s Songi Mukhawate dance, Nagaland’s War Dance, Odisha’s Durua and Singari dances, Tripura’s Sangrai Mog dance and West Bengal’s Natua dance will further add to the diverse cultural palette of the festival.

Beyond performances, the festival will also host a crafts mela, featuring exquisite indigenous artwork and craftsmanship from 11 states.

The exhibition will include Assamese handlooms, intricate leather puppetry from Andhra Pradesh, copper bell-making from Gujarat, patchwork textiles, beadwork, wire crafts and Bengal boutique jewellery, among other traditional artifacts.

Attendees will have the opportunity to witness artisans at work, gaining insight into the painstaking craftsmanship behind these heritage art forms.

To foster a deeper understanding of tribal traditions, master classes and national seminars will be an integral part of the festival.

Scholars, artists and cultural historians will lead discussions on the evolving landscape of tribal theatre, music and craft, providing audiences with valuable insights into the history, philosophy and artistic techniques that shape these communities.

Tripathy, while discussing the broader significance of the festival, reiterated that Adirang Mahotsav is more than just a cultural event. It is an opportunity to showcase the deep connection between tribal communities and the natural world.

He emphasised that through this platform, the NSD hopes to bridge the gap between traditional tribal art forms and contemporary audiences, ensuring that these invaluable cultural treasures are celebrated and safeguarded for future generations.

With performances, crafts, discussions and exhibitions spanning three days, Adirang Mahotsav is poised to be a landmark event, offering visitors a rare and enriching opportunity to experience the heart and soul of India’s indigenous heritage.