During the interaction, the Chief Minister briefed the President on the diverse tribal art forms, traditions, folk life, and cultural practices of the Bastar region.
Photo: SNS
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday called on President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and formally invited her to grace the state-level tribal cultural festival Bastar Pandum 2026 as the chief guest. The invitation underscores the state government’s renewed focus on celebrating and preserving the rich cultural legacy of Bastar and other tribal regions of Chhattisgarh.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister briefed the President on the diverse tribal art forms, traditions, folk life, and cultural practices of the Bastar region. He said Bastar Pandum has emerged as a significant platform for the preservation, promotion, and wider dissemination of Chhattisgarh’s indigenous heritage at national and international levels. The festival will be organised in three phases, with the final and concluding phase scheduled to be held in Bastar in February 2026.
Advertisement
Sai also apprised the President of the state government’s ongoing development initiatives in tribal-dominated areas, highlighting progress in education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and the expansion of basic infrastructure. He said the government remains committed to ensuring that tribal communities are integrated into the mainstream of development without compromising their cultural identity and traditional values.
Advertisement
President Murmu appreciated the initiative to organise a large-scale festival dedicated to tribal culture and extended her best wishes for the successful conduct of Bastar Pandum 2026. She emphasised the importance of such cultural platforms in strengthening indigenous traditions and fostering pride among tribal communities.
Bastar Pandum 2026 will feature a wide range of cultural expressions, including folk dances and songs, traditional musical instruments, handicrafts, tribal cuisine, and indigenous attire. The festival is expected to draw national attention to the cultural richness of Bastar, reinforcing Chhattisgarh’s identity as a state deeply rooted in tribal heritage while moving forward on the path of inclusive development.
Advertisement
