The winners of Bastar Pandum-2026 and the 209-member tribal delegation were given special honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Draupadi Murmu himself served food to the guests and expressed his desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra. Know the complete story of this historic event.
Bastar’s tribal culture, folk traditions and social leadership system recorded a historic moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday. A 209-member delegation including the winners of Bastar Pandum-2026, representatives of the Manjhi-Chalki tradition and Padmashree awardees were given special honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu not only interacted with the delegation but also honored the guests by serving them food. This scene is considered extremely rare in the Indian democratic tradition.
President said- Bastar culture is an invaluable heritage of the country.
While talking to the delegation led by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, President Draupadi Murmu took detailed information about Bastar’s tribal culture, folk art, Manjhi-chalki system and Bastar Pandum. He said that the cultural heritage of Bastar is an invaluable heritage not only of Chhattisgarh but of the entire India and its conservation is everyone’s responsibility.
The President also said that traditional leadership systems like Manjhi-Chalki play an important role in strengthening social unity and cultural values. He also expressed his desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in future and said that he has a special emotional connection with Bastar Dussehra.
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Bastar Pandum and development appreciated, Amit Shah also praised
The President said that Bastar Pandum has given a new identity to the tribal culture at the national and international level. Such events not only connect the youth with their cultural roots but also promote tourism, local employment and economic activities.
He also said that due to the efforts of the government and local public participation, Bastar is today moving in a new direction of peace, development and prosperity. He described the expansion of basic facilities like education, roads, electricity and drinking water as a positive change.
On this occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that for the first time he has seen such a large delegation in traditional tribal costumes of Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. According to him, it is a unique example of India’s cultural diversity and tribal pride.
300 year old ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ artwork becomes symbol of respect
During the program, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai presented a special artwork based on the 300 year old folk tale of Bastar ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ to President Draupadi Murmu. This artwork is considered a symbol of love, sacrifice, public faith and social harmony.
The Chief Minister said that this meeting of the Bastar delegation with the President is a moment of pride for the entire Chhattisgarh. He believes that this will give new identity to the tribal culture and folk traditions of Bastar at the national level. This felicitation ceremony organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan became a memorable occasion to take the cultural heritage of Bastar to the highest constitutional platform of the country.
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