Governance

At Sunder Nursery, a 12-day window into Tribal India: Bharat Tribes Fest kicks off tomorrow

By IndianMandarins- 17 Mar 2026
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New Delhi (17.03.2026): In a bid to bring the vibrant heritage of India’s tribal communities to the heart of the national capital, the Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) is set to host the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026. The 12-day extravaganza, scheduled from March 18 to March 30 at the lush Sunder Nursery, aims to bridge the gap between tribal artisans and the urban market.

Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram will inaugurate the festival tomorrow at 5 PM. While the formal opening takes place Wednesday evening, the gates will be thrown open to the general public starting March 19.

A Global Stage for over 730 Tribes

The festival is expected to be a massive congregation of tribal talent, featuring:

  • Artisan Participation: Over 1,000 artisans representing more than 730 tribes.
  • The Marketplace: 200 stalls showcasing handicrafts, textiles, and traditional paintings.
  • The Global Edge: For the first time, an International Pavilion will feature tribal artisans from Australia, Fiji, and Vietnam, adding a cross-border dimension to indigenous craft.

Spotlight on ‘RISA’ and Tribal Cuisine

A major highlight of the event will be the official launch of "RISA," a premium brand dedicated to tribal fashion. This move signals TRIFED’s intent to position tribal textiles within the luxury and high-fashion segments.

Food enthusiasts can look forward to a dedicated Tribal Cuisine food court. From the smoked flavours of the Northeast to the millet-based staples of Central India, the court will serve traditional dishes that are rarely accessible in mainstream metropolitan circuits.

Beyond the Stall: Business and Policy

The event isn't merely a cultural showcase; it doubles as a 14-day National Business Conclave. Led by TRIFED Managing Director M Raja Murugan (IPS) and a senior leadership team including Preeti Maithil (IAS) and Vikas Raizada, the conclave seeks to institutionalize tribal entrepreneurship.

By creating a direct interface between the producer and the consumer, the Bharat Tribes Fest continues TRIFED’s mission to ensure that a major portion of the consumer rupee flows back to the tribal hearths where these products originate. 

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