At the conclusion of Bastar Pandum 2026, Amit Shah said that Bastar is the jewel of India’s culture. More than 53 thousand artists participated. The government’s commitment to eradication of Maoism, development, tourism and preservation of tribal culture was reiterated.
Jagdalpur. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that Bastar is the jewel of India’s culture. He said that through Bastar Pandum, Chhattisgarh government has worked to give new life to the culture and glorious traditions of this place. All the winners of Bastar Pandum 2026 were honored by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. Shri Shah said that the folk artists securing first, second and third positions in the competition will be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, where they will get an opportunity to present their art and have a banquet.
Bastar Pandum closing ceremony: Participation of more than 53 thousand artists
Addressing the closing ceremony of the three-day divisional level event of Bastar Pandum 2026 held at Lalbagh Maidan in Jagdalpur, Shri Shah said that more than 53 thousand folk artists from 07 districts, 32 district panchayats and 1885 gram panchayats of Bastar division performed brilliantly in 12 genres. He said that the work of promoting these folk arts and traditions is being done by the state government through Bastar Pandum.
Revival of tribal culture and traditions through Dharti Aaba Scheme
The Union Home Minister said that there is no culture like Bastar in any country in the world, which has been preserved by the people here since the time of Lord Shri Ram. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched schemes like Dharti Aaba Tribal Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and PM Janman Yojana to revive the culture and heritage of more than 700 tribes of the country.
Strong message on eradication of Maoism: Decisive success by March 2026
Shri Shah clearly said that the government’s fight is not against anyone but to provide security to the innocent tribal people. He said that the deadline to eradicate Maoism is March 2026 and due to the indomitable courage of the soldiers, Maoism will have to surrender. Praising the Naxal rehabilitation policy, he said that the surrendered people are being linked with employment and creative activities.
Development in Maoist affected areas: Sound of bells returned in schools
The Union Home Minister said that under the Niyad Nella Naar scheme, facilities like roads, bridges, mobile towers, ration, pure drinking water, Aadhar and Ayushman cards are being provided. He said that schools have reopened in 40 villages of Bastar division, where now not the sound of bullets but school bells can be heard.
Expansion of industrial, energy and rail projects in Bastar
Shri Shah said that industrial area will be developed in 118 acres in Bastar district and tourism will be promoted. Apart from this, the work of generating 220 MW power for irrigation of 2.75 lakh acres in Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur will start soon. Rail and river link projects will also be expanded to connect remote areas.
Bastar Pandum is not just an event, it is a celebration of identity – Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that
Bastar Pandum is not just an event but a celebration of the identity of Bastar. He expressed gratitude for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s affection and attachment towards Bastar.
A medium to spread the culture of Bastar to the country and the world.
The Chief Minister said that last year 47 thousand artists had participated in Bastar Pandum, whereas this year more than 54 thousand artists had participated. 12 genres including folk dance, songs, crafts, food, costumes, literature, medicine, painting, musical instruments and drama were displayed.
Bastar is now the land of possibilities, the new Bastar of new India.
The Chief Minister said that earlier Bastar was identified with Maoism, but now Bastar’s culture, tourism and heritage are being discussed in the entire country. He said that Bastar has now become a land of possibilities.
Surrender policy and picture changed from Niyid Nella Naar
The Chief Minister said that the surrender policy has been made more humane and sensitive. Those leaving the violence are being rehabilitated with dignity and villages have access to roads, electricity, water, education and health facilities.
Bastar’s new identity in tourism
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride for Dhudmaras village to be declared the best tourist village by the United Nations. Chhattisgarh tourism is being given a new direction by promoting eco-tourism, home-stay and trekking.
Government commitment and role of tribal leadership
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said that the cultural heritage of Bastar is unique. He said that events like Bastar Pandum have been successful with the cooperation of community heads like Manjhi-Chalki, Gayata and Pujari.
Culture Minister told the specialty of 12 genres of Bastar Pandum
Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Aggarwal said that Bastar Pandum 2026 will become a powerful medium to take the rich culture of Bastar to the country and abroad.
A large number of distinguished public representatives were present at the closing ceremony.
Central and state government ministers, MPs, public representatives, officials, artists and a large number of citizens were present in the programme.