10-day long Aadi Mahotsav draws huge crowds in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: There are these kettles, frying pans, coffee mugs, serving dishes and cookware crafted out of serpentinite black stone and weather rock. Presley Ngasainao from Manipur says that cooking in such utensils will help retain heat for a longer time and they can be used for both traditional cooking as well as for the baking purpose.

Though it is not the first time Presley Ngasainao exhibits her cookware in the City of Destiny, Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Ltd (TRIFED), an apex body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is hosting 'Aadi Mahotsav', a 10-day-long national tribal festival, for the first time in Visakhapatnam.

Bringing a slice of copious tribal art and culture from nondescript villages of over 25 States from across the country, the fair mirrors the true spirit of tribal craft and culture of over 150 master craftsmen and artisans in myriad forms.

From intricately designed bamboo crafts from Sikkim to hand-woven shawls from Nagaland, utility products and home decors in porcelain from Rajasthan to handmade clutches and bags from Ranchi, the festival is a one-stop destination for a plenty of art and crafts to explore.

For many artisans and master craftsmen, this is their maiden trip to Visakhapatnam. Artisan Mahesh from Ahmedabad gets the counter readied, arranging strings of colourful door hangings with a combination of shells, mirrors and bells. "This is the first time that I came to Andhra Pradesh. It is an opportunity for us to understand the market requirement here," he says.

The platform gave a chance for many to connect directly with consumers. Azhar, a manufacturer of organic cosmetic products at the fair, says, "The demand for organic scrubs and essential oils has been increasing in the recent years.

Thanks to the rise in awareness among consumers, the business has seen an upswing in the segment." Put up at Sanpra hotel, beside YMCA, Beach Road, 'Aadi Mahotsav' will continue from 10 am to 9 pm till September 23.