Ministry of Tribal Affairs
12-Day Tribes Art Fest 2026 Concludes in New Delhi; Over ₹1.25 Crore Direct Sales of Tribal Artworks Recorded
Over 10,000 Visitors Celebrated India’s Tribal Art Heritage; Paves the Way for a New Era of Tribal Art and Creative Collaboration
Posted On: 13 MAR 2026 8:21PM by PIB Delhi
The Tribes Art Fest 2026, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, concluded today with a grand Valedictory Ceremony at Travancore Palace, K.G. Marg, New Delhi, marking the culmination of a 12-day celebration of tribal art, culture, and creativity. The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from tribal artists, contemporary artists, cultural groups, students, and art enthusiasts from across the country.
More than 10,000 visitors attended the exhibition, reflecting the growing public interest and appreciation for India’s rich tribal art traditions. The festival served as a vibrant platform for artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and public engagement, showcasing over 30 tribal art forms, 70 tribal artists, and more than 1,000 artworks. During the exhibition, contemporary artists also collaborated with tribal artists, resulting in unique creative expressions that blended traditional knowledge with modern artistic practices.
The festival also featured hands-on workshops, live art demonstrations, and interactive sessions, enabling visitors to closely engage with tribal art forms and traditions. Cultural performances by tribal groups from different regions of the country further enriched the festival by presenting traditional music and dance.
The valedictory ceremony commenced with the arrival of dignitaries and a walkthrough of the exhibition, followed by the rendition of the National Song Vande Mataram. The event was graced by Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, as the Chief Guest. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, and Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, attended as Guests of Honour. Ms. Jai Madaan, noted influencer, and Smt. Jyotsna Suri from FICCI were also present on the occasion along with senior officials from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
“This has truly been a successful experiment,” said Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs. “By bringing together an art gallery ecosystem, corporate buyers, and institutional collaborations, we have created a platform that not only showcases tribal art but also directly strengthens the livelihoods of tribal artists.
The Ministry has been steadily working towards infrastructure development, but we also realised the importance of focusing on livelihoods. In the tribal context, there is a very fine line between livelihood and art and culture, because their art itself is a living expression of their identity and traditions.
This is a moment of great pride for us. In just the past ten days, artworks worth over ₹1.25 crore have been sold. There are artists whose regular monthly income may be around ₹25,000, but through this platform some of them are returning home with earnings of nearly ₹7 lakh. That transformation truly reflects the impact of this initiative.”
Shri Durgadas Uikey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, emphasized that tribal art reflects the deep and intrinsic connection of tribal communities with nature, culture, and tradition. He noted that such artistic expressions are not merely aesthetic creations but are deeply rooted in the everyday lives, beliefs, and collective memories of tribal societies. Through motifs, colours, and storytelling traditions, tribal art carries forward centuries-old knowledge systems and cultural values from one generation to the next.
He further stated that initiatives such as the exhibition provide an important platform for promoting tribal talent, encouraging cultural exchange, and expanding awareness about the richness of tribal heritage among wider audiences. By creating opportunities for artists to directly engage with art lovers, collectors, and institutions, such efforts also contribute to strengthening livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans.
He also highlighted that the participation of artists from diverse tribal communities across the country made the exhibition truly representative of India’s rich tribal heritage, bringing together an extraordinary range of traditional and contemporary tribal art forms from different regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in bringing the richness of tribal art and culture to the national capital and providing a valuable platform for artists from different parts of the country. She noted that such initiatives play an important role in highlighting the vibrant traditions, creativity, and cultural heritage of India’s tribal communities, while also enabling citizens and visitors to experience these art forms more closely.
She further remarked that platforms like these help bridge cultural distances by connecting artists directly with audiences, art lovers, and collectors, thereby strengthening appreciation for tribal creativity and craftsmanship. Emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the city, she added that the national capital will always welcome artists and cultural practitioners who enrich Delhi with their traditions, stories, and artistic expressions.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism appreciated the effort to directly connect artists with audiences, art enthusiasts, and institutions. He noted that such initiatives that bring together artists and communities are both commendable and worthy of emulation. He expressed gratitude to all the artists present who have beautifully portrayed their emotions, cultural heritage, lifestyles, and traditions through their works, whether on paper or through various artistic mediums, and shared them with the wider public.
Emphasizing the deeper significance of tribal art, he said that tribal paintings and other art forms are not merely visual expressions; they are living archives that carry the knowledge, memories, and traditions of tribal societies. Each expression holds meaning, reflecting the artist’s emotions, and every line represents a worldview deeply connected with nature and community life.
He further highlighted that tribal art reflects traditional ecological knowledge, spiritual imagination, and the social stories of communities through diverse artistic forms. Congratulating the artists on the occasion, he remarked that art should not remain merely an object to be viewed or admired but should also serve as a meaningful source of livelihood for artists.
He emphasized that initiatives such as national art festivals play an important role in connecting artists’ creativity with sustainable livelihood opportunities and suggested that such festivals could be organized annually and strengthened through collaborations with various national forums and institutions to further expand their reach, impact, and visibility across the country.
Shri Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, said, “India’s tribal communities possess an extraordinary wealth of art, culture, heritage, culinary traditions, and traditional knowledge systems that are truly unmatched. These living traditions reflect a deep connection with nature, community, and wisdom passed down through generations.
Taking forward the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are making sustained efforts to create sustainable and aspirational livelihood opportunities for tribal communities. It is a matter of pride to witness the efforts made by the Ministry and collaborating organizations in bringing together artists from across the country and making this initiative truly successful. This is only the beginning, and we will continue to undertake such efforts in the future, aligned with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister for a Viksit Bharat.”
During the ceremony, artists were felicitated for excellence and contribution to tribal art across five categories:
- Best Artist in Tribal Art – Mr. Rajesh Chaitya Vangad
- Young Achiever in Tribal Art – Mr. Dhaneshwar Dhurwey and Ms. Sudha Kumari
- Innovation in Tribal Art – Ms. Laishram Membi Devi
- Artist Reviving Tribal Art – Mr. Balasubramani
- Lifetime Contribution to Tribal Art – Smt. Putli Ganju
During the exhibition, artists including Suresh Chandra Pungati, Rajesh Chaitya Vangad, Rajkumar Sodi, Mangala Bai, Bhuri Bai, Anil Chaitya Vangad, Kingson Swargiari, Ram Singh Urveti, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, and Sukhnandi Vyam attracted significant buyers, with their artworks receiving strong public interest.
The festival also recorded a significant milestone in promoting tribal artists and their works, with over 800 artworks sold during the 12-day exhibition, generating direct sales worth more than ₹1.25 crore. The strong response from art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors reflects the growing appreciation for tribal art and provides meaningful economic support to tribal artists while strengthening their visibility in the contemporary art landscape.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who commended the efforts made by all the collaborating partners, participating artists, and organizers for contributing to the success of the festival. He also expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic response from visitors, art enthusiasts, and collectors, which helped make the event a meaningful celebration of tribal art and culture.
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