On 21 September 2025, the campus of St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru came alive with colour, music and the vibrant spirit of the Adivasi Karam festival. Jointly organized by All Adivasis Association Jigani, the Labour Migration Department of ISI Bengaluru, Ashirvad, and St. Joseph’s University, the celebration brought together over 1,200 migrants from across the city.
The heart of the festival unfolded with the traditional Karam rituals, honouring the sacred Karam tree as a symbol of nature, fertility and community. Fr. Selvaraj (Director, ISI Bengaluru), Fr. Antony Das (Superior, ISI- B), addressed the gathering, highlighting the richness of Adivasi heritage and the need to protect its dignity in today’s fast-changing society. Fr. Dionysius Vaz, Provincial of Karnataka Jesuits, congratulated the community and extended warm Karam wishes.
The grounds then erupted in colour and rhythm with traditional Karam dances performed by groups from Jigani, Hoodi, HAL, Electronic City and many migrant communities. They were given prises. The chain dance, where everyone joined hands in a spirited circle, beautifully captured the festival’s essence of togetherness.
The celebration concluded with a festive meal where nearly 1,200 participants shared food, laughter and fellowship. The 2025 Karam feast became more than a cultural celebration—it was a powerful moment of unity, visibility and pride for Adivasi migrants, enriching Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan life with the deep wisdom of their ancestral traditions.