From warli to dokra: Tribes Art Fest 2026 brings India’s living heritage to Delhi

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, on Monday inaugurated the 12-day Tribes Art Fest (TAF) 2026 at Travancore Palace in the national capital, bringing together more than 75 tribal artists and over 1,000 artworks representing upwards of 30 indigenous art traditions from across India. The festival, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with FICCI and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), aims to provide a national platform for tribal artists while strengthening livelihood opportunities through direct market access.

Inaugurating the festival, Oram said the Ministry is committed to preserving tribal art forms that are at risk of fading while simultaneously advancing socio-economic development in tribal communities. “From traditional forms to modern art, painting has evolved over centuries. The Ministry takes pride in promoting and preserving tribal art at risk of extinction while advancing tribal development,” he said. He emphasised that the government is working towards an integrated model where cultural preservation goes hand in hand with structured economic empowerment.

The inaugural ceremony began with a rendition of Vande Mataram by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, setting the tone for the event. The official TAF catalogue, documenting participating artists and art traditions, was unveiled on the occasion, along with a launch video outlining the festival’s vision and scale. A musical performance by the Khmih Creative Society from Shillong showcased tribal rhythms blended with contemporary expressions, drawing appreciation from the audience.

Among those present were Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, Secretary of the Ministry Ranjana Chopra, senior officials of the Ministry, NGMA Director General Dr. Sanjeev Kishor Goutam, and representatives from FICCI. Addressing the gathering, Uikey noted that such platforms allow tribal communities to present their heritage on their own terms, strengthening cultural confidence and generating dignified livelihood opportunities. Smt. Chopra highlighted that the festival translates policy into practice by ensuring equity, sustainability and market access for tribal artists.

The exhibition features diverse traditions, including Warli from Maharashtra, Gond from Madhya Pradesh, Bhil art from central and western India, Dokra metal craft from eastern states, Sohrai from Jharkhand, Saura from Odisha, Bodo art from the Northeast, Kurumba art from Tamil Nadu and bamboo crafts from the Northeast, among others. The festival also presents contemporary collaborations between tribal and modern artists, reflecting evolving artistic expressions while retaining traditional roots.

Beyond the exhibition, the festival includes panel discussions on the revival of tribal art, sustainable futures, and market linkages. Workshops, storytelling sessions, live demonstrations and mentorship programmes for over 100 tribal art students from across the country are part of the immersive schedule. A special installation titled Project Khum – Rooted in Creativity, centred on the theme of women’s artistic leadership, will mark International Women’s Day celebrations during the festival.

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Open to the public from March 3 to 13, Tribes Art Fest 2026 seeks to position tribal art as a vital component of India’s creative economy. By facilitating direct interaction between artists, collectors, galleries and institutions, the Ministry aims to create fair market conditions and sustainable income avenues for tribal communities, reinforcing the government’s broader vision of inclusive growth and cultural preservation.