New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) Celebrating the impressive sales of over Rs 4.5 crore at the Bharat Tribes Fest 2026, Tribal Affairs Joint Secretary Anant Prakash Pandey emphasized the festival's significant impact in connecting tribal products to mainstream markets while safeguarding their rich cultural heritage.

During the closing ceremony at Sunder Nursery in Delhi, he remarked that this 19-day festival showcasing tribal culture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship underlines the government’s dedication to tribal empowerment, the promotion of ‘Vocal for Local’, and inclusive economic growth.

With a remarkable footfall exceeding 1.50 lakh, the Ministry stated: “The sales exceeding Rs 4.5 crore have empowered numerous dreams. Each purchase made at Bharat Tribes Fest 2026 represents a step towards enhanced livelihoods, flourishing craftsmanship, and a promising future for tribal communities. This is not merely a milestone; it is a movement of empowerment.”

The closing ceremony featured the recognition of top tribal artisans and vendors across ten categories, including Pottery, Cane and Bamboo, Jewellery, Cuisines, Gifts and Assortments, Metal, Naturals, Paintings, Textiles, and Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs).

The awards were bestowed by TRIFED Managing Director M. Rajamurugan alongside the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in the presence of notable dignitaries and stakeholders.

This festival provided a comprehensive platform for tribal artisans, self-help groups, VDVKs, and entrepreneurs from across the nation, enabling direct market access and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Key highlights included over 200 stalls featuring tribal handicrafts, handlooms, and natural products; participation from more than 300 tribal artisans and craftspersons; representation from over 75 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras; 17 live craft demonstrations; and more than 30 tribal food stalls with contributions from over 120 tribal chefs, as noted in the statement.

Visitors enjoyed a vibrant showcase of tribal art, textiles, jewellery, forest-based products, and authentic cuisines. Attractions featured the RISA Pavilion, promoting contemporary tribal design, the BTF Bazaar for market linkages, and a spacious tribal food court.

Notably, the festival marked the unveiling of the RISA brand on March 18, 2026, a significant initiative aimed at positioning tribal craftsmanship within contemporary and global markets.

This initiative, launched by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram and Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, illustrates the government’s commitment to advancing tribal enterprise through design innovation, sustainability, and improved market access, as highlighted in the statement.

The festival also hosted the Bharat Tribes Business Conclave, CSR Conclave, and Van Dhan Conclave, which gathered policymakers, industry leaders, corporates, and community stakeholders to discuss market access, branding, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.