Jamshedpur: The 2026 edition of Samvaad, a Tribal Conclave enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, commenced in Jamshedpur, bringing together indigenous communities, artists, traditional healers, tribal home chefs and cultural knowledge holders from across the country. The five-day conclave, being held from 15 to 19 November, provides a platform for communities to share their knowledge, celebrate their identities and explore opportunities to take their cultural heritage forward.
TV Narendran, CEO &MD, Tata Steel, inaugurated the conclave.
The opening day featured an expansive showcase of tribal art, healing practices and cuisine, reflecting the diversity of indigenous traditions across the country. Johar Haat brought together 40 art forms represented by artisans from 34 tribes across 15 states of India. Alongside this, the healing traditions showcase brought together practitioners from 29 tribes across 17 states, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with traditional knowledge and practices that have been preserved and passed down through generations.
Cuisine took centre stage through Aatithya, which featured over 100 recipes from 24 tribes across 14 states. The curated experience offered visitors an opportunity to discover the culinary heritage of indigenous communities and understand its connections with local landscapes, ingredients, traditions and livelihoods.
The day’s discussions and engagements also explored the relationship between cultural identity and evolving opportunities. A session titled The Silhouette and the Circle: Deconstructing Adivasiyat invited conversations around indigenous identity, while Vision to Viability focused on the journey of transforming creative potential into sustainable opportunities.
The opening day holds particular significance as 15 November marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Jharkhand Statehood Day. The celebrations at the Gopal Ground will brought together 251 nagadas, Colours of Jharkhand, and performances by Nyonyok Talom and Kalpana Hansda, celebrating the spirit and cultural richness of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Sourav Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Steel Foundation, said: “Samvaad is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the knowledge, culture and lived experiences of tribal communities. Over the years, it has evolved into a space where communities come together, share their knowledge and explore new possibilities. Our endeavour is to create meaningful connections between cultural heritage, community aspirations and opportunities, while ensuring that communities remain at the centre of these conversations. These conversations allow us to listen, learn and understand diverse perspectives, while reflecting on how their knowledge and experiences can shape the way we think about development and progress.”
Over the next four days, Samvaad 2026 will continue to host conversations and engagements across art and handicraft, healing practices, tribal cuisine, community knowledge, storytelling, music and cultural performances. The tribal handicrafts and healers stalls, along with Aatithya, will be open to visitors from 3 pm to 9:30 pm, offering an opportunity to explore tribal art and handicrafts, discover traditional healing practices and experience indigenous cuisines from across India. The evenings will also feature performances at the Gopal Maidan from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, bringing together music, dance and traditions from different tribal communities.
Through Samvaad, Tata Steel Foundation continues to create platforms for indigenous communities to celebrate their identities, exchange knowledge and explore pathways that connect heritage with emerging opportunities.
