“The soul of Chhattisgarh lives in its tribal culture. It is a unique State where the Government is organising initiatives such as Bastar Pandum to preserve its culture, tribal traditions, and ancient heritage”, said President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu at Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division, on February 7, 2026 on the occasion of second Bastar-Pandum festival. She described the festival as a vibrant reflection of the glorious tribal culture of the region.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the historic Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur, witnessed the presence of a large number of tribal artists and a massive public gathering.
In her address to the gathering, President Murmu said that the Vishnu Deo Sai-led Government is working with dedication for the welfare of the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh. Continuous efforts are being made for tribal upliftment through various schemes. Initiatives such as PM Janman, the Prime Minister’s Tribal Pride and Prosperity Mission, and Niyad Nella Nar are helping integrate tribal society into the mainstream of development. Emphasising the need to educate tribal girls in Bastar region, the President said that along with the Government, society and parents must also step forward to ensure that tribal girls receive quality education. Appreciating Bastar’s rich tribal culture and proud traditions, she said that the roots of ancient traditions remain strong in Chhattisgarh even today. Bastar Pandum is an important platform that promotes the identity, pride, and rich heritage of tribal communities. She informed that more than 54,000 tribal artists have registered for Bastar Pandum, reflecting their deep connection with their cultural roots.
President Smt Murmu observed that many Maoists are abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream, with growing faith in democracy. Schools that remained closed for years are reopening, roads and bridges are being constructed in remote forest areas, and rural communities are increasingly connecting with development. She said that while Bastar’s beauty and culture have always attracted people, the region unfortunately remained affected by Maoism for nearly four decades, causing immense hardship to its residents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participants associated with Bastar Pandum. He observed that such events play a vital role not only in preserving the nation’s cultural legacy but also in empowering local communities.
Prime Minister Modi said that there was a time when the very mention of Bastar evoked images of Maoism, violence, and developmental backwardness. Today, however, the situation has changed completely. Bastar is now being recognised for peace, development, and the growing self-confidence of its people. He expressed hope that Bastar’s future would be filled with peace, progress, and cultural pride.
At the closing ceremony of the divisional-level Bastar Pandum 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the exhibition on tribal traditions and culture organised at Lalbagh Ground. He toured various stalls and gained insights into products, handicrafts, and art forms integral to the daily life of the tribal communities.
He appreciated the exhibition showcasing Dhokra craft, terracotta, wood carving, sisal art, bamboo and iron crafts, tribal attire and jewellery, Tumba art, tribal paintings, forest-based medicines, local cuisines, and folk art. Shri Shah described Bastar’s culture as a living expression of India’s soul.
