NEW DELHI (India): The 12‑day Tribes Art Fest 2026 (TAF) concluded here on Friday with a grand valedictory ceremony at Travancore Palace, bringing to a close a national festival devoted to showcasing tribal art, culture and creativity. The festival was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as part of efforts to promote indigenous art traditions and strengthen livelihood opportunities for tribal artists.
Direct sales of tribal artworks during the festival exceeded Rupees 1.25 crore (about USD 135,011), with over 800 art pieces purchased by collectors, buyers and art enthusiasts, according to an official press release. Organizers said this was evidence of growing public appreciation for tribal art and its commercial viability in mainstream art markets.
More than 10,000 visitors attended the exhibition, engaging with a diverse range of artistic traditions. The festival featured over 1,000 artworks representing more than 30 tribal art forms created by around 70 tribal artists from different regions of India. Contemporary artists also collaborated with tribal practitioners, producing works that blended traditional techniques with modern expression.
India’s Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, and other dignitaries were present. Artists were felicitated for excellence and contribution to tribal art. In his speech, Oram 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.”
During the concluding ceremony, artists were felicitated for excellence and contribution to tribal art across five categories:
Best Artist in Tribal Art: Rajesh Chaitya Vangad
Young Achiever in Tribal Art: Dhaneshwar Dhurwey and Ms. Sudha Kumari
Innovation in Tribal Art: Laishram Membi Devi
Artist Reviving Tribal Art: Balasubramani
Lifetime Contribution to Tribal: Art Putli Ganju
The festival aimed to build sustained connections between tribal artists, galleries, collectors, institutions and the public, creating pathways for expanded market access and recognition.
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