TRIFED Curates ‘Aadi Chitra – National Tribal Painting Exhibition’ in Mumbai
By --- Dilip Yadav
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, with support from the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) is showcasing a national tribal painting exhibition “Aadi Chitra” at Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. The weeklong exhibition was inaugurated by Secretary, Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Vijay Waghmare in the presence of tribal artists, officials, and art connoisseurs on Tuesday 29th July 2025. The event was also graced by Padma Shri awardee, Shri Paresh Rathwa, whose contributions to tribal art have earned national recognition. The exhibition will be open for all from 29th July to 4th August 2025 at Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Regional Manager, TRIFED Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Vachhani, stated that the exhibition reflects TRIFED’s commitment to promoting tribal talent and culture while enabling sustainable livelihoods for tribal artisans through national platforms.
“Aadi Chitra” brings together over 100 tribal artworks from across the country, highlighting the vibrant heritage, spirituality and nature-linked storytelling traditions of tribal communities. The exhibition features Warli paintings from Maharashtra, Gond and Bhil art from Madhya Pradesh, Pithora paintings from Gujarat, and Saura and Pattachitra forms from Odisha. “Aadi Chitra” is not just an art show—it is a celebration of storytelling traditions rooted in nature, spirituality and community life. Each artwork reflects the inherited wisdom and identity of India’s tribal societies.
Visitors are encouraged to explore and celebrate the vibrant legacy of India’s tribal heritage.
