By Aswathy G.V, Community Research Fellow, Nilambur
The Sargotsavam Art festival, held from December 27th to 29th, 2024, at Mananthavady Higher Secondary School, Wayanad, celebrated the artistic and cultural heritage of tribal communities, exclusively featuring children from tribal backgrounds.
Keystone, the only civil society organization invited to the event, made a remarkable contribution with its stall titled “Itengaane Bari”, meaning “Come to this” in the Adiya Gotra language. The Wayanad and Nilambur Keystone teams emphasized tribal culture and livelihood through a diverse range of exhibits and products.
In our exhibits, we displayed tribal instruments and cultural objects, wild tubers, edible leaves, and various rice varieties. We also displayed some posters which are highlighting tribal knowledge and traditions. Aadhimalai’s forest-based items such as honey, beeswax soaps, amla kandi, and millet cookies were also available for sale, alongside products by the women’s group ‘Thalir’, including spice mixes (masalas) and coffee powder. The Sahaja team from Mysore also participated, displaying millets, pulses, and vegetable seeds.
The stall garnered attention from students, teachers, government officials, and the general public. Hon’ble Minister O R Kelu, representing the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department, visited the stall and expressed positive feedback, acknowledging Keystone’s efforts.
Keystone’s “Itengaane Bari” stall stood out as a highlight of Sargotsavam 2024, showcasing the richness of tribal traditions and fostering awareness about their livelihood practices. The festival concluded successfully, leaving a profound impact on cultural celebration and the empowerment of tribal communities.
Photos taken by Aswathy.
