Tribal Literary Festival began on 12 November 2026 at Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre, in New Delhi. Organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the two-day event will continue until 13 November. The festival brings together tribal writers, poets, storytellers, scholars and cultural representatives to celebrate India’s rich tribal literary traditions.

The event aims to give greater recognition to indigenous languages, oral traditions and the knowledge of tribal communities. It also provides a platform for writers and cultural practitioners to share their work and discuss ways to protect and promote their languages and heritage.

Festival Celebrates Tribal Literature and Languages

The National Tribal Literary Festival is being organised as part of the 2026 celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. The occasion marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, an important tribal freedom fighter and leader.

The festival focuses on the literary contributions of India’s tribal communities. Its programme includes thematic sessions on tribal literature, poetry, folklore and storytelling. Participants from different tribal language groups are expected to share traditional narratives, creative writing and cultural knowledge.

Many tribal communities have passed their history, customs, beliefs and knowledge from one generation to another through oral storytelling. These traditions are an important part of India’s cultural diversity. The festival aims to recognise their value and encourage efforts to preserve them for future generations.

Promoting Indigenous Languages and Oral Traditions

One of the main objectives of the festival is to promote indigenous languages and protect traditional forms of storytelling. Several tribal languages carry unique histories, cultural practices and knowledge about local environments and communities.

However, many indigenous languages face challenges due to limited use, fewer learning opportunities and a lack of written resources. Cultural programmes and literary platforms can help bring greater attention to these languages.

By bringing writers, poets, scholars and storytellers together, the festival creates an opportunity to discuss the future of tribal literature. It also encourages young people to learn about their languages and cultural roots.

Connection with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2026

The festival is part of the wider celebrations of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, observed on 15 November every year. The day marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who played an important role in tribal resistance against British colonial rule.

The Union Cabinet designated 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas in 2021. The observance recognises the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and communities to India’s history and development.

The 2026 celebrations include different activities to highlight tribal culture, history, achievements and participation in national development. The National Tribal Literary Festival adds a literary and language-focused dimension to these celebrations.

Senior Leaders and Representatives to Attend

The inaugural session was expected to be attended by several senior representatives from the government and cultural institutions. These included Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, Minister of State Durgadas Uikey, NITI Aayog Member Joram Aniya, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti Chairman Chamu Krishna Shastri and Tribal Affairs Secretary Ranjana Chopra.

Their expected participation highlights the importance given to tribal languages, literature and cultural preservation. The presence of writers and scholars also creates opportunities for discussion between policymakers and people working directly with indigenous languages and traditions.

Students to Interact with the President

A related programme was also scheduled for 12 November 2026. Around 200 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools were expected to interact with the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

The interaction is part of the broader Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada celebrations. Such programmes aim to encourage tribal students and give them opportunities to engage with important national institutions.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide education to students from Scheduled Tribe communities, particularly in areas where access to quality schooling may be limited.

Tribal Heritage and the Viksit Bharat@2047 Vision

The National Tribal Literary Festival also connects with the wider Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. This national goal focuses on India’s development by the time the country completes 100 years of independence.

Tribal communities have an important place in this vision through their knowledge, languages, cultural traditions and contributions to society. Preserving indigenous literature is one way to ensure that their voices and experiences remain part of India’s cultural and social development.

The two-day festival in New Delhi provides a platform to recognise tribal authors and knowledge holders while encouraging wider interest in India’s diverse literary traditions.