A HISTORIC chapter was written at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday as the rich tribal heritage, traditions and vibrant attire of Bastar were showcased there for the first time. President Droupadi Murmu warmly received the 209-member delegation from Chhattisgarh, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and personally served lunch to the guests. A special luncheon was hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of the winners of Bastar Pandum 2026, representatives of the traditional tribal leadership system, Padma Shri awardees, public representatives and senior officials. On the occasion, Chief Minister Sai presented the President with a 300- year-old tribal artwork, ‘JhitkuMitki’, from Bastar, which she deeply appreciated for its cultural significance. During an informal interaction, President Murmu enquired about Bastar’s tribal traditions, folk arts, customary governance system and the experience of organising Bastar Pandum. She praised the artists and traditional representatives for preserving the region’s cultural heritage and also expressed her desire to attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in the future. Responding to Chief Minister Sai’s invitation, the President said she would certainly visit Bastar in the future. “Bastar Dussehra touches my heart,” she said, adding that she has always felt a deep emotional connection with the festival, especially in reference to the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath and the unique traditions associated with it. She also said that the Manjhi community is like family to her, noting that her father was also a Manjhi.

 

In her address, President Murmu described Bastar Pandum as a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s tribal traditions, folk arts and cultural heritage. She said the event has played a significant role in establishing Bastar’s true identity at the national and international levels. She added that such initiatives help reconnect young people with their traditions and customs while also promoting tourism and generating employment opportunities. She further said that with government initiatives and active public participation, Bastar is moving towards a new era of peace, development and prosperity. Commending the expansion of education, roads, electricity, drinking water and other basic infrastructure in the region, she said Bastar’s transformation is a matter of pride for the entire country. The President also praised the important social and cultural role of the Manjhi and Chalki communities, describing them as an effective bridge between society and the administration while safeguarding Bastar’s traditions and cultural values. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said he had visited Rashtrapati Bhavan many times before, but this was the first time he had seen such a large delegation dressed in Bastar’s traditional tribal attire at the Presidential residence, calling it a moment of immense pride.

 

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the delegation’s meeting with the President was a matter of great honour for Chhattisgarh, especially for the Bastar region. He said the occasion provided a historic opportunity to present Bastar’s rich tribal traditions, culture and way of life before the President. The Chief Minister noted that Bastar is now emerging with a new identity of peace, development and cultural renaissance, and that initiatives such as Bastar Pandum have brought national recognition to the region’s tribal heritage. During their visit, members of the delegation also toured Rashtrapati Bhavan and gained valuable insight into India’s democratic and constitutional heritage. Among those accompanying the Chief Minister were Principal Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Special Secretary and Commissioner, Public Relations Rajat Bansal, Culture Secretary Dr S Bharathidasan, Bastar Divisional Commissioner Doman Singh, Director of Culture and Official Language Sanjay Kannauje, along with several senior officials.