Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Saturday announced three major events to preserve tribal heritage, promote creative excellence, strengthen entrepreneurship, expand market access and deepen corporate partnerships for sustainable tribal development.He said the ministry would host Tribes Art Fest (Painting Exhibition), Living Roots Festival – Soundscapes of Tribal India, and Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, showcasing India’s rich tribal heritage, art, and cultural vibrancy.“Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organizing a series of landmark national initiatives next month. These initiatives collectively present an integrated framework to preserve tribal heritage, promote creative excellence, strengthen entrepreneurship, expand market access, and deepen corporate partnerships for sustainable tribal development,” the minister said.Oram said the upcoming festivals are designed to create long-term socio-economic impact by positioning tribal communities at the centre of cultural preservation, enterprise development, and national growth.The Tribes Art Fest (TAF) 2026 will be held from March 2 to 13 at the Travancore Palace. The festival will bring together over 70 eminent tribal artists and showcase nearly 1,000 artworks spanning 30 distinct tribal art forms from across the country. Special highlights of the event include collaborations with contemporary practitioners, women-led live painting demonstrations and structured dialogues on pathways from heritage to market, the ministry said.The Living Roots Festival – The Soundscapes of Tribal India, to be held from March 13 to 15, will celebrate India’s living tribal music traditions. The event will present 15 curated performances, representing diverse regions and traditions and bringing tribal soundscapes to one of India’s most iconic public spaces. Through performance, dialogue and mentorship, the festival aims to ensure sustained recognition and opportunity for tribal musicians.The Bharat Tribes Fest (BTF) 2026 from March 18-30 will serve as a comprehensive national marketplace and cultural platform, with participation of more than 1,000 tribal artisans, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), tribal chefs and cultural troupes, showcasing art, craft and cuisine across more than 200 curated stalls.Major highlights include the Signature Pavilion featuring high-end tribal products and the launch of the Ministry’s “RISA” brand aimed at positioning tribal fashion and crafts in premium and global markets.An International Pavilion will also host indigenous artisans from countries such as Australia, Fiji and Vietnam, fostering global tribal synergy, the ministry added.Oram said these initiatives reflect a holistic approach integrating culture, commerce and corporate partnership. By bringing together art, music, enterprise development and strategic collaboration within one coordinated framework, the Ministry seeks to ensure that tribal communities are empowered participants in India’s cultural and economic transformation, he added.