Bhubaneswar: The ongoing annual Adivasi Mela has emerged as a major attraction for city residents, with crowds flocking to the tribal fair to purchase household essentials at competitive prices. The fair, which showcases tribal culture and products, has become a preferred destination for city dwellers looking to stock up on kitchen staples.
Visitors are particularly drawn to the wide variety of indigenous products, including organic spices, pulses and traditional household items produced by tribal communities from across the state. Customers said some of the products are not available in the city except from the Adivasi Mela. “We buy par-boiled (ushuna) rice from Adivasi Mela. The rice we get here is not available in the city market. The quality of products here is exceptional, and the prices are reasonable,” said Pratap Swain, a resident of Sastri Nagar.
“The turmeric and ginger powder I bought last year was so pure that I’ve come back for more. I also picked up handwoven brooms and Sabai grass baskets, which are durable and eco-friendly,” said Sunita Jena, a homemaker from Sahid Nagar.
The fair, organized by the state govt, has over 200 stalls offering organic food grains, forest produce and handmade utility items. Govt officials said there is a steady increase in footfall compared to previous years.
The mela will continue till Jan 16.