Raipur, July 30: Rashtrapati Bhavan witnessed a remarkable celebration of Bastar’s tribal heritage, folk traditions and centuries old community leadership as President Droupadi Murmu warmly welcomed a 209 member delegation led by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The delegation included winners of Bastar Pandum 2026, representatives of Bastar’s traditional tribal leadership system comprising Pargana Majhis, Majhis and Chalkis, Padma Shri awardees, public representatives, folk artists and senior government officials. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal and senior administrative officers also accompanied the delegation.
In a touching gesture, President Murmu hosted a special luncheon in honour of the delegation and personally served food to every guest, reflecting her deep respect and affection for the tribal community.
During an interaction with the delegation, the President sought detailed information about Bastar’s tribal traditions, folk arts, the Majhi Chalki system and the Bastar Pandum festival. She described Bastar’s rich cultural heritage as a priceless national treasure and emphasized that preserving it is a collective responsibility.
President Expresses Wish to Visit Bastar
Accepting Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s invitation, President Murmu expressed her desire to attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in the future. She recalled her emotional connection with Bastar Dussehra, particularly its unique traditions associated with the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath.
Sharing a personal memory, the President said the Majhi community was like her own family and revealed that her father had also served as a Majhi. She noted that the traditional tribal leadership system continues to strengthen social harmony, community participation and cultural preservation.
‘Bastar Pandum Has Given Tribal Culture a New Identity’
The President described Bastar Pandum as a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s tribal heritage, folk arts and cultural traditions. She said the festival has brought Bastar’s authentic cultural identity to national and international prominence.
She added that such initiatives encourage young people to remain connected with their roots while promoting tourism, creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. Expressing confidence in the future, she said Bastar’s artists, artisans and youth would continue to safeguard their heritage while contributing to nation building.
Bastar Emerging as a Symbol of Peace and Development
President Murmu appreciated the transformation taking place in Bastar through sustained government efforts and public participation. She highlighted the expansion of education, roads, electricity, drinking water and other essential infrastructure, describing the region’s progress as a matter of pride for the entire nation.
She also praised the role of Majhis and Chalkis, calling them an effective bridge between society and the administration while preserving cultural traditions and promoting social harmony.
‘Never Before Has Rashtrapati Bhavan Witnessed Such a Celebration of Bastar’
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that despite visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan on several occasions, he had never before witnessed such a large gathering of Bastar’s tribal representatives in their traditional attire. He described the occasion as a powerful celebration of India’s cultural diversity and tribal pride.
A Proud Moment for Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the interaction between the President and the Bastar delegation as a historic and proud moment for the people of Chhattisgarh. He said initiatives like Bastar Pandum have elevated tribal culture to the national stage while creating new opportunities for local artists and traditional folk heritage.
Highlighting President Murmu’s close association with tribal society, he said her encouragement and guidance would further strengthen efforts to preserve and promote Bastar’s cultural legacy. He also extended a formal invitation for the President to visit Bastar.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented President Murmu with a commemorative artwork inspired by the nearly 300 year old Bastar folk legend Jhitku Mitki, symbolizing love, sacrifice, devotion, folk faith and social harmony. According to local tradition, Jhitku and Mitki are still worshipped in Bastar as Khodiya Raja and Gappa Dei.
The delegation also toured Rashtrapati Bhavan and explored several landmarks associated with India’s democratic and constitutional heritage.
