Celebrating Faith, Culture, and Unity: Vishwa Adivasi Diwas Observed at Our Lady of Good Health Church, Jigani

Bengaluru, August 9, 2026: The Archdiocese of Bangalore joyfully celebrated Vishwa Adivasi Diwas 2026 at Our Lady of Good Health Church, Jigani, bringing together nearly 300 Adivasi migrants and community members in a vibrant expression of faith, cultural pride, and fraternity. The celebration, held on Sunday, 9 August, witnessed the participation of 12 priests, religious brothers and sisters, parish leaders, youth, and children, making it a memorable occasion of prayer, fellowship, and cultural renewal.

The day commenced with registration and a warm welcome, followed by the solemn Eucharistic Celebration, the spiritual centrepiece of the event. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by twelve priests, with Fr. Neelam Kerketta, SJ, serving as the principal celebrant. In his homily, Fr. Nelson Lakra reflected on the dignity, identity, and rich heritage of Indigenous Peoples, encouraging the faithful to remain firmly rooted in their faith and cultural traditions while becoming instruments of justice, peace, and equality in society.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Arus Kishor Tirkey, Fr. Franklin, and Fr. Arun Louis addressed the gathering, inspiring the community to cherish and preserve their traditions, languages, and cultural values, and to pass this precious legacy on to future generations.

One of the most captivating moments of the celebration was the colourful cultural programme, where various Adivasi communities showcased their traditional dances, music, attire, and artistic expressions. The lively Sylo dance, along with other cultural performances, beautifully reflected the richness and diversity of Adivasi heritage. A special tribute was also paid to Birsa Munda and other Indigenous leaders, honouring their enduring contribution to the dignity, rights, and empowerment of Adivasi communities.

A community meal brought everyone together in an atmosphere of warmth and friendship. The celebration reached another joyful highlight when priests, religious, community leaders, youth, and families joined in a common traditional dance, symbolising the spirit of unity in diversity and strengthening the bonds of fraternity among all present.

The welcome address and vote of thanks were delivered by Fr. Anup Minj, SJ, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. He acknowledged the generous support and hospitality of the Parish Priest and offered special appreciation to Fr. Farnadise for his wholehearted cooperation and dedicated participation throughout the day. Gratitude was also extended to the priests, religious, volunteers, parish leaders, youth, children, and every member of the community whose enthusiastic involvement made the celebration a success.

The celebration of Vishwa Adivasi Diwas 2026 at Jigani served as a powerful witness to the Church's commitment to accompanying Indigenous communities while celebrating their unique identity and cultural heritage. By bringing together faith and culture, the event strengthened relationships within the Adivasi migrant community and renewed its commitment to preserving its traditions with pride and hope.

Inspired by the theme, "Our Culture • Our Identity • Our Heritage • Our Unity • Our Future," the celebration concluded in an atmosphere of gratitude and joy, reaffirming the shared commitment to build a society rooted in dignity, equality, justice, peace, and fraternity. It stood as a beautiful reminder that diversity is a gift to be celebrated and unity remains the foundation of a hope-filled future.