President Murmu Hosts Bastar Delegation, Aims to Attend Local Festivals

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday hosted a 209-member delegation from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the importance of preserving the region’s rich tribal heritage. She expressed her wish to attend the iconic Bastar Dussehra and the Bastar Pandum cultural festival in the future.

Delegation Showcases Bastar’s Cultural Legacy

The delegation, led by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, included winners of the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival, Padma Shri awardees, traditional tribal leaders such as Pargana Majhis, Majhis, and Chalkis, as well as artists and senior officials. During the interaction, President Murmu sought insights into Bastar’s unique tribal traditions, folk arts, and the Majhi-Chalki leadership system, which she described as an essential institution for preserving social harmony and cultural values.

Chief Minister Sai presented the President with an artwork depicting Jhitku-Mitki, a 300-year-old folk legend from Bastar that symbolizes love, sacrifice, and social harmony. The figures are revered in parts of the region as Khodiya Raja and Gappa Dei.

Tribal Heritage as a “National Treasure”

Calling Bastar’s tribal heritage an “invaluable national treasure,” President Murmu emphasized the collective responsibility of preserving it. She praised the Bastar Pandum festival for bringing the region’s traditions and folk arts to national and international prominence. She also highlighted its role in connecting younger generations to their roots while promoting tourism and local livelihoods.

Murmu noted Bastar’s progress in areas such as education, road connectivity, electricity, and drinking water, describing the region as being on a path of peace and development. She acknowledged the contributions of Majhis and Chalkis in fostering ties between local communities and the administration.

A Historic Gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who attended the event, remarked on the unprecedented scale of the gathering, noting that he had never before seen such a large delegation from Bastar in traditional tribal attire at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He called the event a celebration of India’s tribal heritage.

Chief Minister Sai described the occasion as a proud moment for Chhattisgarh, emphasizing that initiatives like Bastar Pandum have elevated the state’s tribal culture on the national stage. He reiterated his invitation to the President to visit Bastar, stating that her presence would further enhance recognition of the region’s cultural heritage.

The delegation also toured Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of their visit, marking a significant moment in showcasing Bastar’s vibrant traditions at the heart of India’s capital.

Source: Indian Express