Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with TRIFED, concluded on Sunday with a closing ceremony at Sunder Nursery in the national capital. The 19-day festival brought together tribal artisans, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups from across the country, showcasing India’s diverse tribal heritage and products.
Top-performing tribal artisans and sellers were felicitated across ten categories, including pottery, cane and bamboo, jewellery, cuisines, textiles, and forest-based products. The awards were presented by TRIFED Managing Director M. Rajamurugan and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs Anant Prakash Pandey.
The festival recorded a footfall of over 1.5 lakh visitors and witnessed multi-crore sales, reflecting growing public interest in tribal products. More than 200 stalls were set up, with participation from over 300 tribal artisans and representatives from more than 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
Visitors experienced a wide range of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, jewellery, and natural products. The event also featured 17 live craft demonstrations and over 30 tribal food stalls, where more than 120 tribal chefs presented traditional cuisines.
Key attractions included the RISA Pavilion promoting contemporary tribal design and the Bharat Tribes Fest Bazaar, aimed at strengthening market linkages. The festival also hosted business, CSR, and Van Dhan conclaves, bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, and community stakeholders to discuss market access, branding, and sustainable livelihoods.
A major highlight was the launch of the RISA brand on March 18 by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur. The initiative aims to position tribal craftsmanship in modern and global markets through design innovation and improved market access.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Anant Prakash Pandey said the festival provides a platform to connect tribal products with wider markets while preserving cultural traditions. M. Rajamurugan noted that the event reflects the growing strength of tribal enterprise and supports sustainable livelihood opportunities.
