Keylong to host district-level Tribal Pride Day event on November 15

A district-level programme will be organised at the Old Circuit House in Keylong on November 15 to mark Tribal Pride Day. Various schools and colleges across Lahaul are hosting cultural and creative competitions to showcase the region’s rich tribal heritage, folk art and traditions.

District Project Officer (ITDP) Ashwani Kumar said Tribal Pride Day is observed every year on November 15 to commemorate the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle and fought for the rights and dignity of tribal communities.

He said competitions are being organised in schools located in villages covered under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The initiative aims to connect students with their cultural roots and encourage the preservation of local art and traditions.

Government Senior Secondary School, Keylong, has organised folk dance, folk singing and traditional art and craft competitions. Government Senior Secondary School, Udaipur, will host traditional costume and quiz competitions, while photography competitions will be held at Triloknath school.

Government Senior Secondary School, Jahalma, will organise storytelling and folk singing competitions, while painting competitions are scheduled at Shakoli school. Eklavya Model Residential School will host painting, photography and folk dance competitions. Government Senior Secondary School, Tindi, will organise a storytelling competition.

Government College, Kukumseri, will also conduct competitions related to traditional musical instruments and folk songs. The common theme for these activities is the tribal life, culture and traditions of Lahaul Valley.

Ashwani Kumar said participants who excel in the competitions will receive certificates and cash prizes. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Udaipur, Om Prakash, and Block Development Officer, Keylong, Manish Rai, have been appointed as nodal officers for the programme.