Car Nicobar, May 18: Under the visionary leadership of the Chief Secretary, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, the District Administration of Nicobar successfully organised the first-ever ‘Tribal Haat’ in Campbell Bay yesterday. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Tribal Council, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), and the Rural Development Department, aimed to celebrate and promote the rich tribal culture, craftsmanship, and produce of the Nicobar Islands.
Organised under the guidance of Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, the event was inaugurated jointly by Dr. Keshav Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay, and Shri Shekhar Rai, Block Development Officer, Campbell Bay in the presence of Shri Barnabas Manju, Chairman of the Tribal Council for Great & Little Nicobar Islands.
The Tribal Haat served as a vibrant platform to showcase a wide range of Nicobari handicrafts and traditional products created by tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The stalls displayed virgin coconut oil, the traditional handmade Nicobari hodi (canoe), colourful pillows, intricate embroidery work, finely woven bamboo and cane baskets, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. An impressive spread of ethnic food items added flavour to the event, drawing visitors from all sections of the community.
This initiative is a significant step towards empowering the tribal community, encouraging sustainable livelihoods, and preserving traditional knowledge and art forms. It also provides tribal artisans and farmers a direct platform to connect with the public, thereby improving market access for their products.
The District Administration extends heartfelt appreciation to all participating tribal artisans and SHG members whose creativity, skill, and spirit of entrepreneurship made the event a grand success. Their contribution is instrumental in keeping the Nicobari cultural heritage alive and thriving.
In view of the positive response and enthusiastic participation, it has been decided that the Tribal Haat will now be held on the 15th of every month. This regular platform will continue to support the tribal community by facilitating the sale and promotion of indigenous products and crafts, thus fostering economic self-reliance and cultural pride.