KERALA TO HOST NATIONAL TRIBAL FEST

KERALA TO HOST NATIONAL TRIBAL FEST

A five-day national tribal festival, showcasing the country's rich tribal culture and traditions, will get under way in Wayanad district in Kerala on April 30. Festival "Gothrayanam" will see participation of around 500 tribal artists, artisans and delegates from all states, Kerala Youth Affairs and Tribal Welfare Minister P K Jayalakshmi has said. Besides putting on display the rich and diverse cultural hertiage of tribal communities, seminars and workshops to address the tribal issues would also be part of the event, jointly organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, ST Development and Wayaad district administration.

There would also be an exhibition-cum-sale section to promote tribal medicines and ethnic food.
Cultural programmes highlighting tribal arts of various states and a documentary festival on tribal issues will add colour to the event, she said. The festival, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, will be held at the legendary tribal village Valliyoorkav near Manathawadi town in Wayanad. Valliyoorkav tribal temple is the venue of biggest annual festival of tribes in Wayanad for centuries.  

                                       Prof. John Kurakar