TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 3, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday met President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and formally invited her to attend the state-level tribal cultural festival, Bastar Pandum 2026, as the Chief Guest. The Chief Minister briefed the President on the objectives and significance of the festival, which is being organised to celebrate and promote the rich tribal heritage of the Bastar region.
During the meeting, Shri Sai highlighted that Bastar Pandum has emerged as an important cultural initiative of Chhattisgarh, dedicated to the preservation, promotion and wider recognition of the region’s tribal art, folk traditions, customs and way of life. He informed the President that the festival will be conducted in three phases, culminating in a grand concluding programme in Bastar in February 2026, with participation from artists, cultural groups and communities across the region.
The Chief Minister also apprised President Murmu of the ongoing development initiatives being undertaken by the state government in tribal areas. He outlined progress made in key sectors such as education, healthcare, livelihood generation, expansion of basic infrastructure and the effective implementation of welfare schemes. Shri Sai said the government is committed to ensuring inclusive development by integrating tribal communities into the mainstream of progress while safeguarding their unique cultural identity and traditional values.
President Droupadi Murmu appreciated the initiative to organise a large-scale festival centred on tribal culture and heritage, and extended her best wishes for the successful conduct of Bastar Pandum 2026. She noted the importance of such platforms in preserving indigenous traditions and promoting greater cultural understanding.
Bastar Pandum 2026 is expected to feature a wide array of cultural expressions, including folk dances, traditional music and instruments, handicrafts, tribal cuisine, regional literature and traditional attire. The festival aims to provide a vibrant platform for tribal artists and artisans, while strengthening Bastar’s cultural identity at the national and international levels.
