Parliament Question: Tribal art, culture and ‘living roots’ 2026

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3819 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 25/03/2026 TRIBAL ART, CULTURE AND ‘LIVING ROOTS’ 2026 3819 # SHRI DEEPAK PRAKASH: SHRI ASHOKRAO SHANKARRAO CHAVAN: DR. ANIL SUKHDEORAO BONDE: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) how the ‘Living Roots’ festival has repositioned tribal music as a contemporary and economically viable force; (b) what specific market linkages were established during the 14-day National Business Conclave for Tribal Entrepreneurs in 2026; (c) whether the Ministry has successfully documented participating artists in the official Tribal Art Fest (TAF) Catalogue for international gallery exposure and if so, the details thereof; and (d) how the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 has successfully integrated over 1,000 artisans into the global value chain? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY) (a): The Living Roots Festival was scheduled to be held from 13th to 15th March 2026 at Bikaner House and India Gate, New Delhi. However, the event could not be held as the same was cancelled. (b): The Ministry is organizing Business Conclave, a conference-oriented programme that will run concurrently with the Bharat Tribe Fest, to focus on policy dialogue, stakeholder convergence, partnerships, and ecosystem building. It is envisioned as a comprehensive, multi-sectoral platform aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, and stronger market integration for tribal communities across the country. The conclave will convene key stakeholders from sectors including food and beverages, textiles, handicrafts, luxury, innovation, skilling, traditional knowledge, and tourism. The objective is to strengthen value chains, enhance access to finance and markets, and generate actionable policy insights to support tribal enterprises. (c): The recently concluded Tribes Art Fest (TAF) reflected a broader government commitment to tribal empowerment, connecting artists directly with collectors, galleries, corporates, designers andcitizens. For this purpose, Ministry of Tribal Affairs developed the Tribes Art Fest catalogue which documented participating artists, art traditions and artworks featured at TAF. The official TAF catalogue was formally unveiled during the inauguration of Tribes Art Fest on 2nd March 2026. Thereafter, the TAF catalogue was made available to art buyers, galleries, corporate partners, and citizens, with the objective of enhancing awareness and facilitating market linkages at scale. (d): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organizing Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, a national platform celebrating the rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s tribal communities, in association with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The fest was inaugurated on 18.03.2026 at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. More than 1000 tribal artisans, VDVKs, tribal chefs & cultural troupes from all over India are showcasing tribal art, craft, cuisine and tribal dance & music performances. The tribal art, craft & cuisine will be showcased in more than 200 aesthetically curated stalls under one roof. The display is organised State-wise / Zone-wise ensuring focused storytelling and stronger regional identity. Further, a Signature Pavilion has been created within the fest to showcase high end luxury tribal products of RISA brand and designer products of Tribal Entrepreneurs. The same is available with professional branding, packaging and visual merchandising, targeting premium urban and international consumers. *****