New Delhi, March 2, 2026: Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram inaugurated Tribes Art Fest (TAF) 2026 at Travancore Palace, marking the beginning of a 12-day national celebration of India’s rich tribal art heritage. Featuring over 75 tribal artists, more than 30 traditional artforms and 1,000 artworks, the festival is among the most extensive showcases of tribal visual culture in the country.
Celebrating Tribal Heritage and Economic Empowerment
Organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with FICCI and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), the festival runs from March 2 to 13, 2026. The event reflects the Government’s integrated approach to cultural preservation and socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jual Oram emphasised that tribal art, languages and traditions form an essential part of India’s living civilisational heritage. He said the Ministry is committed not only to preserving artforms at risk of extinction but also to transforming them into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Diverse Art Traditions on Display
The exhibition features renowned tribal art traditions such as Warli, Gond, Bhil, Dokra, Sohrai, Saura, Mandana and Godna, along with bamboo crafts from the North-East and many others. The artworks represent states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam and Tamil Nadu, highlighting India’s regional diversity and cultural continuity.
In addition to traditional works, the festival also presents contemporary collaborations between tribal and modern artists, encouraging dialogue between heritage and evolving artistic expressions.
Project Khum and Women’s Creative Leadership
A special highlight of TAF 2026 is “Project Khum – Rooted in Creativity,” conceptualised in collaboration with tribal women artists. The installation symbolises blossoming and vitality, showcasing collective artistic expression rooted in tradition. Presented in the spirit of International Women’s Day, it foregrounds the leadership and creativity of tribal women.
The festival also includes dedicated programmes celebrating entrepreneurship and cultural memory among women artists.
Policy Meets Practice
Shri Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, noted that such platforms allow tribal communities to present their heritage on their own terms. Secretary Smt. Ranjana Chopra highlighted that Tribes Art Fest translates policy into practice by creating equitable and dignified opportunities for artists.
The Ministry’s broader initiatives, including PM JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and strengthened market linkages through TRIFED, were also highlighted as part of the holistic development approach.
Market Linkages and Skill Development
TAF 2026 aims to establish fair market conditions where artists receive appropriate value for their work. By facilitating direct engagement with collectors, galleries, corporates and citizens, the festival strengthens structured market ecosystems.
Beyond exhibitions, the programme features panel discussions on Tribal Art Revival, Sustainable Futures and Livelihoods & Market Linkages. Workshops, live painting demonstrations, storytelling sessions and mentorship programmes for over 100 tribal art students are integral components of the 12-day event.
Vision for Viksit Bharat @ 2047
Open to the public from March 3, 2026, Tribes Art Fest aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The Ministry envisions enhanced national and international recognition for tribal art while positioning it as a dignified pillar of India’s creative economy.
With strong participation from the North-East and inclusive workshops for visitors, including persons with special needs, TAF 2026 underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and cultural equity.
The Ministry has invited citizens to engage with the festival and directly support tribal artists, reinforcing the idea that cultural heritage can drive sustainable prosperity.
