PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 15: Johar Haat, a weeklong monthly engagement to promote tribal art and culture, hosted by Tata Steel Foundation, marked the beginning of weeklong celebrations in Jamshedpur which also coincides with Makar Sankranti festival.
Officials of Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) said this month marks the completion of a year of Johar Haat that has brought together over 120 participants from 15 tribes over the last one year engaging more than 6000 enthusiasts.
The celebration aimed to showcase the diversity that Johar Haat brings to the larger masses of Jamshedpur.
Tribal artistry, cuisines
The event highlighted the vibrant world of tribal artistry, healing traditions, and delectable cuisine, featuring a cluster of eight tribal shops. Monthly extravaganzas provided opportunities to interact with craftsmen, artisans healers, and home cooks from the 14th to the 20th of every month. Workshops designed for the public to connect with artisans and an atmosphere adorned with tribal paintings from Jharkhand were key features of the celebration.
A series of events have been planned as a part of the weeklong celebration including tribal music jamming, film screenings, terracotta jewellery making and reparation of tribal cuisine.
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Participants from six tribes
The tribal cuisine menu included new combos and thalis, adding a delightful culinary dimension to the anniversary festivities. Participants from three states – Jharkhand, West Bengal and Nagaland – and one Union Territory, Ladakh, representing six tribes: Santhal, Ho, Munda, Oraon, Rengma and Bot, will showcase their magic in tribal art forms.
In collaboration with MAXI Fair, the annual affair by XLRI, Jamshedpur, the January 2024 edition of Johar Haat will have its diversified aspects of nurturing tribal art, cuisine, and healing practices at the fest. Johar Haat was also a part of the Jamshedpur Carnival hosted at Gopal Maidan recently.
TSF paving way for tribal culture preservation
Tata Steel Foundation, as the driving force behind Johar Haat, has been at the forefront of preserving and promoting tribal culture. Its commitment towards enabling platforms for tribal communities to showcase their cultural heritage reflects in the success of this initiative.
By fostering a platform that celebrates tribal art, cuisine and healing practices, Tata Steel Foundation contributes significantly towards the preservation of tribal identity.
Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation said, “Johar Haat, celebrating its first anniversary today, has consistently emerged as a space for engagement and display of talent for tribal artisans and home chefs. We are thankful to the tribal communities for their continued trust. Our gratitude to our partners who have been collaborating with us to take this journey forward.”
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