Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 9: Thousands of visitors thronged the Adivasi Ground for last-minute shopping on the concluding day of the Adivasi Mela here Monday.
The 14-day event which began January 26 featured the best of tribal art and culture from across the state, and drew a large number of visitors.
Dilip Kumar Naik of Keonjhar was selling spices and tribal utensils at the fair.
“I’m very happy. I sold all of my stock today. I’d brought spices and herbs from my region, and the customers loved them. The customers who’d purchased them from me on the first day returned to buy them in larger quantities today. Some of them bought stock that would last them for three months,” said Naik. He however added that he could have bettered his sales had he planned his logistics better.
Holding two bagfuls of items bought at the fair, homemaker Ranjita Sahu said she was here mainly for the spices. “I visited the mela on the inaugural day and had bought many household items and some spices. I loved the spices so much that I’ve come back today to buy a large stock. The spices are pure and earthy and have a strong fragrance that you don’t get in the spices that you usually buy in the city,” said Ranjita, adding she’d make it a point to visit the mela every year henceforth.
Another stall owner from Jamardihi, Kavita Naik, was relishing ‘muri mangsha’ at the tribal food court set up in the middle of the ground. “I’m now relishing to my heart’s content as I’ve sold out all of my stock. Last year’s sales were not as good and we returned with a heavy heart but this year has more than made up for it, thanks to the city’s people. We didn’t expect such good sales this year,” Kavita said.
Ranjan Kumar Rana, a terracotta artist from Bargarh who was selling trinkets at the fair, echoed the views of other stall owners. “This is my first time here and the response has been great. I will surely participate in the mela next year with new and innovative terracotta art,” Ranjan said.
Hundreds of self-help groups from Koraput, Jeypore, Chatikona, Kaplipada, Karanjia, Rayagada, Phulbani, Keonjhar and Rairangpur participated in
the fair.