Tribal Dignity Festival: Handicraft Fair Organized in Sarangarh, Jhar crafts and Bell Metal products become center of attraction

Raipur, May 24, 2026/ With the aim of promoting tribal culture and crafts, a grand handicraft exhibition and sale fair was organized at Sahu Dharamshala in Sarangarh under the 'Tribal Dignity Festival'. In this fair organized by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), tribal artisans from Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district, especially from Bageendih village, participated in large numbers and showcased their skills. Jhar crafts of Bageendih Village Jhar crafts and bell metal products prepared by the artisans of Bageendih village were the main attraction for customers and visitors at this fair. Most of the women artisans participating in the exhibition are associated with self-help groups (SHGs) like 'Katyayani' and 'Bharat Mata' formed under the National Livelihood Mission (Bihan) of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. Through these groups, they are making their traditional skills a strong source of livelihood. TRIFED: A New Path for Artisans' Progress Artisans from many craft villages like Bageendih in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh can improve their standard of living by joining TRIFED. It is known that TRIFED, which stands for 'Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited', is a national-level apex organization working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. This organization ensures fair prices for the hard work of tribal communities who collect minor forest produce (MFP) from forests and create handicrafts. Along with this, the organization brands tribal products (such as natural honey, handicrafts, clothes, organic products) and explores markets for them at national and international levels. Promoting Van Dhan Micro Enterprises TRIFED has taken significant steps to promote Van Dhan micro enterprises through 50-100 state-level producer companies. The main objective of these Van Dhan producer companies is to increase productivity and reduce costs, undertake large-scale processing for efficient aggregation and value addition, and ensure better utilization and efficient marketing of products. Open Opportunity to Become Part of TRIFED TRIFED offers opportunities not only for artisans but also for creating a large network globally. The corporate world, tribal society, scientists, various institutions, trainers, resource persons, subject matter experts, consultants, implementing agencies, equipment manufacturers, buyers, and designers can all connect and work together.