Red Fort to Witness Massive Tribal Cultural Gathering as 1.5 Lakh Adivasis Unite to Honour Birsa Munda

In what is being described as one of the largest tribal cultural gatherings ever organised in the national capital since Independence, nearly 1.5 lakh tribal people representing more than 550 indigenous communities from across India are expected to assemble at the historic Red Fort on May 24 for a grand Janjati Sanskritik Samagam.

The mega cultural congregation is being organised by the Janjati Suraksha Manch to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary year of legendary tribal freedom fighter and icon Birsa Munda, revered by many tribal communities as “Bhagwan Birsa Munda”.

Organisers say the event will not merely be a public gathering, but a vibrant and emotional celebration of India’s rich tribal heritage, traditions, music, faith and identity.

Thousands of tribal men and women dressed in colourful traditional attire are expected to participate in grand cultural processions that will move through the streets of Delhi before converging at the Red Fort grounds for the main event.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Janjati Suraksha Manch national co-convenor Rajkishor Hansda said the gathering is being envisioned as a historic moment for tribal society.

“This year marks the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, which is a matter of immense pride for tribal communities across the country.

We wanted the nation’s capital to witness the strength, diversity and cultural richness of tribal society,” Hansda said.

According to organisers, five massive cultural processions will begin simultaneously from different parts of Delhi and travel several kilometres before merging at the Red Fort.

The streets are expected to come alive with the sounds of traditional drums, folk instruments, tribal songs and dances performed by communities from remote forests, hills and villages across India.

“These processions will be magnificent, historic and deeply spiritual,” Hansda said.

“People will witness tribal communities carrying their traditional instruments, wearing their indigenous attire, and proudly showcasing their ancient cultural traditions.”

The visual spectacle is expected to be unlike anything Delhi has witnessed in recent years — a sea of tribal colours, rhythms and traditions unfolding against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic historical monuments.

Organisers said Amit Shah has accepted the invitation to attend the event as the chief guest and is expected to address the gathering at the Red Fort.

Hansda described the event as a historic assertion of tribal identity and dignity. “Such a programme has never happened before on this scale in independent India.

The aim is to preserve the identity, existence and culture of tribal communities and present their vibrant heritage before the entire nation,” he said.

The organisers emphasised that the conclave is inspired by the life and ideals of Birsa Munda, who led a fierce resistance against British colonial rule in the late 19th century while fighting to protect tribal land, faith and culture.

“He struggled to defend the religion, identity and existence of tribal society. This cultural conclave seeks to carry forward that same spirit of pride, resistance and cultural preservation,” Hansda added.

Former judge and Janjati Suraksha Manch national team member Prakash Uike said the gathering is also intended to strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony among different sections of society.

“There is no difference between tribal society and the rest of the country. Forest dwellers, villagers and city residents are all part of one larger social family,” he said.

“The traditions and faith of tribal communities are an inseparable part of India’s cultural heritage.”

Uike said holding the event in Delhi carries symbolic significance because it allows urban India to directly experience tribal culture in its living and authentic form.

“People in Delhi will get an opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of tribal traditions up close. The programme is meant to create a feeling of belonging and mutual respect,” he said.

The conclave is also expected to bring attention to the concerns and aspirations of tribal communities, including issues related to their traditions, cultural practices and social welfare.

Organisers said members of nomadic and denotified tribes from different parts of the country have also been invited to participate.

Particularly significant is the expected presence of members from vulnerable tribal groups with extremely small populations, including the Great Andamanese Tribe, whose population is believed to have dwindled to around 50 individuals.

In addition to cultural performances and processions, around 100 distinguished tribal achievers from fields such as sports, education, arts and public service are expected to be honoured during the programme.

For many participants, the gathering is not just a cultural celebration but also an emotional affirmation of identity and pride.

As thousands prepare to arrive in Delhi from forests, mountains and villages across India, the Red Fort is set to transform into a living mosaic of tribal India — echoing with ancient rhythms, traditional songs, indigenous dances and the enduring legacy of Birsa Munda.