TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 2, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday released the official logo and theme song of Bastar Pandum 2026 at Dantewada, marking the formal beginning of preparations for the much-awaited cultural festival dedicated to the rich tribal heritage of the Bastar region. The ceremony was held at the sacred premises of the Danteshwari Temple, where the Chief Minister sought blessings of Maa Danteshwari for the successful organisation of the event.
Extending New Year greetings on the occasion, Shri Sai said Bastar Pandum is a living platform that reflects the soul of Bastar and celebrates its centuries-old tribal culture, folk traditions, art forms and heritage. Beginning the festival preparations from the revered temple complex, he said, symbolises the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the region. The unveiling of the logo and theme song, he added, sets the tone for a festival that is envisioned as a world-class cultural event.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the true identity of Chhattisgarh is embedded in its tribal traditions, which are expressed through dance, music, crafts, traditional cuisine, forest-based medicinal knowledge and village deities. Recalling the inaugural edition of Bastar Pandum last year, he said it received overwhelming public participation and national attention, with the closing ceremony attended by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. For Bastar Pandum 2026, invitations will be extended to the President of India, senior Union Ministers and ambassadors of various countries, with the aim of taking Bastar’s cultural legacy to an international audience.
Announcing key features of the upcoming edition, Shri Sai said the number of competitive disciplines has been increased from seven to twelve. These include tribal dance, music, theatre, traditional musical instruments, costumes and ornaments, worship traditions, handicrafts, painting, traditional food and beverages, regional literature and forest-based medicinal practices. The competitions will be conducted in three phases to ensure wider participation and better representation of grassroots talent.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to preserving Bastar’s cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. He said Bastar is now emerging as a symbol of peace, development and tourism, and will be known for creativity and celebration rather than conflict. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he added, the double-engine government is working to take Bastar to new heights of prosperity and recognition.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said the word ‘Pandum’ signifies a festival of joy and harmony, deeply rooted in Bastar’s traditions. He noted that launching the festival from the Danteshwari Temple reflects the age-old custom of beginning auspicious events with the blessings of the Mother Goddess. He also stated that sustained efforts towards restoring peace in the region are yielding positive results.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap described Bastar Pandum as a proud initiative to establish Bastar’s cultural identity on the global map, while Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal said the festival is being organised for the second consecutive year to promote the region’s diverse art forms, with competitions planned across twelve categories.
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During the programme, the Chief Minister interacted with senior traditional leaders, priests, tribal representatives and Padma awardee artists. Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap and Dantewada MLA Shri Chaitram Atami also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the government’s efforts to promote Bastar’s heritage.
It was announced that Bastar Pandum 2026 will be held in three phases from January 10 to February 6. Janpad-level events will take place from January 10 to 20, district-level programmes from January 24 to 29, and divisional-level events from February 2 to 6. The festival will cover 1,885 gram panchayats, 32 janpad panchayats, eight municipalities, twelve nagar panchayats and one municipal corporation across the seven districts of Bastar division. The Department of Culture and Official Language has been designated as the nodal department, with provisions being made for both online and offline registration to ensure maximum participation.
