Economic Development of Tribal Women during Festivals in India

Festivals are a time of celebrations. People increase their purchases during the festive season. This is the time when the market absorbs more employees to meet the demand of consumers. Enterprises and organisations try hard to accelerate their sales during the festive period. This is the best time for the tribals too, especially the women, to join this flow of festivity and get involved in the business of profit. Through Tribal Co-Operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) and National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs promotes entrepreneurship among tribal women. Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) provides help for marketing of MFP and tribal products. The fruits of these policies of Government are reaped by the tribals, mainly during the festivals. Festivals provide a platform for the tribals to showcase their crafts, gain recognition and earn a better income. As most craft makers are women, this leads to their economic development. The products are demanded not only in India but even in foreign nations. This could be seen in 'Tribes India Aadi Mahotsav'. So, festivals are spreading their lights and colours in the lives of tribal women by increasing their source of income, making them self-sufficient and helping in their economic development.