Maredumilli (East Godavari): It is party time for the tribals as the Manyam Jatara kicked off in colourful manner in Maredumilli in East Godavari district on Saturday. Tribals from all over the state congregated at Vana Vihari in Maredumilli and enjoyed the evening watching traditional tribal dances performed by artistes from various regions.

The three-day fete was inaugurated by Minister for Tribal Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu. The main attraction of the festival was the performance of prominent singer Goreti Venkanna and his team which has enthralled the audiences with their versatile presentation of folk songs. Songs depicted the beauty and necessity of the nature and tribal lifestyle.

Dasavatharam performed by the artistes from Odisha which depicted the patriotism has stunned the audiences. Later, students from Musurumilli boys residential school have shown exemplary skills in the rope dance and attracted the attention of the audiences.

Chenchu dance performed by the Chenchu community artistes hailed from Ongole district and Kommu dance performed by the artistes from West Godavari district which depicted their lifestyle, tradition and history made the audiences spell bound.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravela Kishore Babu mentioned that Manyam Jatara is being celebrated to enhance living standards of tribals and to promote tourism. Maredumilli is a major tourist destination which would help the tribals living around the area in boosting their economy, he said.