By Ms Sophiya Bhabor and Mr Vimal for BIS Mumbai

The Salesians of Don Bosco have been in the missions of Alirajpur in Madhya Pradesh for the past thirty-three years.  The main tribes of this region are the Bhils and the Bhilalas. The Salesians relate with these tribal people with love, respect and trust. They have imbued the spirit of the culture of the tribes. They not only appreciate the tribal festivals but they also participate in the various cultural events of the local people.    

The parish of Don Bosco Alirajpur, had an opportunity to celebrate the Adivasi Divas on August 17, 2025, in the school hall. The day began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Ashwin Mal, a Bhil, who spoke about the importance of the culture and tradition of the tribal people and motivated them to be faithful to their culture and to the word of God. The faithful participated in the Eucharist with great zeal and devotion.

After the Eucharist, the parishioners gathered in the school hall for the celebration of the Adivasi Divas. They came in their tribal attire to showcase their culture. The entire atmosphere was one of joy and excitement. Our Salesian Co-operators Mr Paulus Damor and Mrs Shanti Damor were the anchors of the program. Fr Matthew spoke about the sustainability and development of the tribal people. He also shared the customs and tradition which has brought all the tribals together as one. Various competitions such as singing, dancing and costumes were organized. All the families of the parish participated in the competitions and came forward with their performances. They participated whole-heartedly in all the competitions as a family. They competed with each other not just for the prizes but also to showcase their culture.  It was very evident that their culture bound them together as one people.  Fr Ashwin Mal and Sr Asha Minj were the judges for the various competitions. The competitions were followed by a tribal dance by the people and the boys together.

Mrs Damor had the privilege of giving the vote of thanks.  She thanked all the fathers and sisters for the services they provide to the tribal people. She also thanked the families for participating in the event.  Fr Cyril D’Souza declared the result of the various competitions while Fr Ashwin Mal and Fr Xavier Bandya honored the winners with prizes, which they valued and for which they were grateful.

Then came the fulfillment of the entire event namely the sharing of the fellowship meal. The entire parish sat together for the meal as a family. It was the best moment of the day where the members of the parish enjoyed a delicious spread and spoke to each other about their performances and the prizes they received.  It was truly a memorable day.