No. 945/2023-PUB12th August 2025
Himachal Pradesh’s first-ever Zero Waste Tribal Festival is scheduled to be held from 14th to 16th August, 2025 at Keylong. This landmark event will not only celebrate the vibrant tribal heritage of the region but also set a new benchmark for environmentally responsible festivities in the state.
Deputy Commissioner Lahaul Spiti Kiran Bhadana said that the 'Zero Waste' vision of the tribal festival will be brought to life through various initiatives, including complete ban on plastic bottles and disposable cutlery; drinking water availability at multiple stations with regular water quality checks for safe and sustainable hydration; use of pattal (leaf plates) and biodegradable cutlery to ensure eco-friendly servings; banners made of sustainable materials like cloth bags and cloth-based banners replacing plastic; and clearly marked bins for waste segregation at multiple points for different waste types.
Lahaul and Spiti district administration has partnered with the Healing Himalayas and Saahas NGOs for waste management, sustainability awareness and hands-on education on eco-friendly practices.
During the tribal festival, a special attraction will be the 'Heritage Echoes Pavilion', a creatively designed space dedicated to the art, craft and living traditions of tribal communities. In collaboration with Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India, tribal artisans will be provided a prominent platform to showcase and sell their handcrafted products, handlooms and traditional cuisines, ensuring both cultural preservation and livelihood promotion.
The cultural segment, supported by the North Zone Cultural Centre, will feature performing troupes from Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat and Uttarakhand. These will be complemented by captivating performances from Lahaul and Spiti, Pangi and other parts of Himachal Pradesh, making the festival a rich blend of local and national tribal artistry.
The Food Fiesta will offer an unforgettable culinary journey that combines authentic tribal delicacies with global flavors, giving visitors a taste of cultures from near and far.
Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana said that the Tribal Festival-2025 is not just a cultural celebration, but is also a statement of our commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation. As Himachal’s first Zero Waste Tribal Fair, it will inspire communities across the state to celebrate responsibly while honoring our rich traditions.
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