Bastar today is moving forward in a new direction of peace, development and prosperity: President Smt. Draupadi Murmu For the first time, such splendor of tribal culture of Bastar was seen in Rashtrapati Bhavan: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah The President himself honored the guests by serving them food. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu expressed her desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum A 209-member delegation led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai presented the 300-year-old unique artwork of ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ to the President. Bastar’s glorious legacy of folk culture, tribal traditions, and social leadership made history today at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, a 209-member delegation, including the winning participants of Bastar Pandum-2026, representatives of traditional tribal leadership systems, Padma Shri awardees, and representatives from various fields, was given a warm welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On this occasion, President Draupadi Murmu hosted a special banquet in honor of the Bastar Pandum-2026 winners, Pargana Manjhi, Manjhi, Chalaki, and Padma Shri awardees. In a rare and intimate moment in Indian democratic tradition, the President personally served food to all the guests and honored them. This spontaneous warmth of the President touched the entire delegation. The delegation included Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal, representatives of traditional tribal leadership of Bastar, winning artists of Bastar Pandum-2026, Padmashree awardees, public representatives and senior administrative officers. President Draupadi Murmu, during a cordial conversation with the delegation members, inquired in detail about Bastar’s tribal culture, folk art, traditional social system, the Manjhi-Chalaki system, and the Bastar Pandum celebrations. Praising the contributions of the artists and tribal representatives, she said that Bastar’s cultural heritage is India’s invaluable asset and its preservation is the responsibility of the entire country. The President expressed his desire to visit Bastar. At the request of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu expressed her desire to attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in the future. She said that Bastar Dussehra holds a special love for her. Referring to the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath and the unique traditions of Bastar Dussehra, the President expressed her special affection for Bastar Dussehra. The President said that Manjhi is part of his family and that his father was also a Manjhi. He said that the traditional leadership system of tribal society is a strong foundation for social unity, community participation, and cultural preservation. Bastar Pandum gave a new identity to the culture President Smt. Draupadi Murmu said that Bastar Pandum is a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal traditions, folk arts, and cultural heritage. She added that this event has given new recognition to Bastar’s true cultural identity at the national and international level. She added that such events not only connect the youth with their cultural roots but also provide a new impetus to tourism, local employment, and economic activities. President Smt. Murmu expressed confidence that the artists, craftsmen and youth of Bastar will continue to play an important role in nation building while preserving their cultural identity. Bastar is becoming a new symbol of development and peace. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu said that as a result of the government’s sustained efforts and local public participation, Bastar is today moving forward in a new direction of peace, development, and prosperity. Praising the expansion of education, roads, electricity, drinking water, and other infrastructure, she said that this positive change in Bastar is a matter of joy and pride for the entire country. He specially praised the role of Manjhi and Chalaki and said that by working as an effective bridge between the society and the administration, they are making significant contribution in the preservation of social harmony and cultural values. For the first time, such grandeur of Bastar was seen in Rashtrapati Bhavan – Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Speaking on the occasion, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah said that while he has visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on numerous occasions, this is the first time he has seen such a large delegation dressed in traditional tribal attire from Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He said that this sight is a wonderful symbol of India’s cultural diversity and tribal pride. The Chief Minister said – this is a proud moment for the entire Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that this cordial meeting of the Bastar delegation with President Smt. Draupadi Murmu is a matter of great pride and honor for all of Chhattisgarh, especially the Bastar region. He said that today Bastar’s rich tribal culture, folk traditions, and cultural heritage have been honored on the country’s highest constitutional platform. The Chief Minister said that Bastar is today moving forward with a new identity of peace, development, and cultural renaissance. Events like the Bastar Pandum have brought new prestige to tribal culture at the national level and provided a new platform for local artists, folk traditions, and cultural heritage. He said that President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu has a deep emotional connection with tribal society and its culture. Her experience, affection, and guidance will give new direction to the preservation and promotion of Bastar’s cultural heritage. While inviting the President to visit Bastar, the Chief Minister said that with his arrival, the cultural heritage of Bastar will get wider recognition at the national level and the enthusiasm of the tribal society will increase further. The delegation also visited the Rashtrapati Bhavan and became aware of various historical sites and important information related to India’s democratic and constitutional heritage. A unique 300-year-old ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ artefact from Bastar presented to the President Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai presented President Smt. Draupadi Murmu with a special memento, a work of art based on the nearly 300-year-old folk tale “Jhitku-Mitki” from Bastar. This work of art is considered a symbol of Bastar’s tribal culture, love, dedication, folk faith, and social harmony. According to popular belief, during a severe famine, Jhitku and Mitki set such an indelible example of love, sacrifice, and dedication that they earned divine respect. Even today, in the Bastar region, Jhitku is revered as “Khodia Raja” and Mitki as “Gappa Dei.” On this occasion, Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat, Special Secretary Shri Rajat Bansal, Secretary of Culture Department Dr. S. Bharatidasan, Commissioner of Bastar Division, Shri Doman Singh, Director of Culture and Official Language Department, Shri Sanjay Kannauje and other senior officers were present. Post navigation A major step towards strengthening rail connectivity from Bastar to Surguja in Chhattisgarh.
