**Executive Summary**
The Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, a 19-day flagship initiative by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, concluded on April 5, 2026, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. The festival achieved record multi-crore sales and a footfall of over 1.50 lakh visitors, successfully promoting tribal craftsmanship and sustainable livelihoods. Key milestones included the launch of the "RISA" brand on March 18, 2026, and the felicitation of top-performing artisans across ten categories.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Festival Scale and Participation**
* Featured over 200 stalls showcasing handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products.
* Involved more than 300 tribal artisans and 120 tribal chefs across 30+ food stalls.
* Included representation from over 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).
* Hosted 17 live craft demonstrations to engage visitors with tribal heritage.
**Strategic Launches and Recognition**
* Launched the "RISA" brand to position tribal craftsmanship in contemporary and global markets through design innovation.
* Felicitation of top artisans in categories including Pottery, Cane & Bamboo, Jewellery, Textiles, Metal, and Paintings.
* Recognition of high-performing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras for their contribution to tribal enterprise.
**Market Linkages and Knowledge Sharing**
* Established the "BTF Bazaar" to facilitate direct market access for tribal products.
* Conducted specialized sessions including the Bharat Tribes Business Conclave, CSR Conclave, and Van Dhan Conclave.
* Focused on key issues such as branding, market access, and integrating tribal products into mainstream markets.
**Impact Analysis**
**Tribal Artisans, Self-Help Groups, and Entrepreneurs**
**Impact**
Artisans received significant visibility, direct access to a large consumer base, and record-breaking sales revenue. The event provided a platform to transition from local craft to a global brand identity via the RISA initiative.
**Action Required**
Artisans must leverage the newly established market linkages and branding to maintain sustainable livelihood opportunities and continue adopting design innovations.
**Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED**
**Impact**
The organizations successfully reaffirmed the government's commitment to "Vocal for Local" and inclusive economic development, achieving high public engagement.
**Action Required**
They must continue to facilitate platforms that integrate tribal products with mainstream markets while preserving cultural heritage.
**Corporate and Industry Stakeholders**
**Impact**
Policymakers and industry leaders were brought together to deliberate on branding and sustainable livelihoods, identifying opportunities for CSR and business collaboration.
**Action Required**
Stakeholders should implement the deliberations from the conclaves to support tribal enterprise through innovation and market integration.
Key Entities Referenced
TRIFED: The primary organizing association and nodal agency responsible for the marketing development of tribal products.
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026: A flagship initiative and festival organized to showcase tribal culture, craftsmanship, and enterprise while providing market access to tribal artisans.
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs): A key scheme/platform represented at the festival that facilitates value addition and sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
RISA brand: A newly launched brand initiative aimed at positioning tribal craftsmanship in contemporary and global markets through design innovation.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs: The primary central ministry responsible for organizing the festival and overseeing tribal empowerment and enterprise initiatives.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 Concludes with Grand
Closing Ceremony; Top Tribal Artisans and
Sellers Felicitated
Over 1.50 Lakh Footfall and Record Sales Highlight Rising
Demand for Tribal Products and Empowerment
Posted On: 05 APR 2026 7:00PM by PIB Delhi
Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised in association with
TRIFED, concluded today with a grand closing ceremony at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, marking the
culmination of a 19-day celebration of tribal culture, craftsmanship, and enterprise.
The closing ceremony witnessed the felicitation of top-performing tribal artisans and sellers across ten
categories—Pottery, Cane & Bamboo, Jewellery, Cuisines, Gifts & Assortments, Metal, Naturals,
Paintings, Textiles, and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs). The awards were presented by Shri M.
Rajamurugan, IPS, Managing Director, TRIFED, and Shri Anant Prakash Pandey, Joint Secretary,
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in the presence of dignitaries and stakeholders.
The festival served as a comprehensive platform for tribal artisans, self-help groups, Van Dhan Vikas
Kendras, and entrepreneurs from across the country, facilitating direct market access and promoting
sustainable livelihoods.
Key highlights of the festival included:
· Over 200 stalls showcasing tribal handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products
· Participation of more than 300 tribal artisans and craftspersons
· Representation from over 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras
· 17 live craft demonstrations
· 30+ tribal food stalls with participation of over 120 tribal chefs
Visitors experienced a vibrant display of tribal art, textiles, jewellery, forest-based products, and authentic
cuisines. Major attractions included the RISA Pavilion promoting contemporary tribal design, the BTF
Bazaar enabling market linkages, and an expansive tribal food court.
A key highlight of the festival was the launch of the RISA brand on March 18, 2026, marking a
significant step towards positioning tribal craftsmanship in contemporary and global markets. The
initiative, launched by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women
& Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur, reflects the Government’s commitment to promoting tribal
enterprise through design innovation, sustainability, and enhanced market access.The festival also hosted the Bharat Tribes Business Conclave, CSR Conclave, and Van Dhan Conclave,
which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, corporates, and community stakeholders to
deliberate on issues such as market access, branding, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
The event witnessed an overwhelming public response, attracting over 1.50 lakh visitors and generating
multi-crore sales, reflecting the growing appreciation and demand for tribal products.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Anant Prakash Pandey stated that “Bharat Tribes Fest serves as an
important platform for integrating tribal products with mainstream markets while preserving rich cultural
heritage.”
Shri M. Rajamurugan noted that “the success of the festival reflects the growing strength of tribal
enterprise, providing artisans with visibility, market access, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.”
The successful conclusion of Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 reaffirms the Government’s commitment to tribal
empowerment, promotion of ‘Vocal for Local’, and inclusive economic development.
*****
RN/
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