A powerful theatrical presentation rooted in Muriya tribal life earned Sukma district the top prize at the divisional-level Bastar Pandum 2026, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai felicitated artists for preserving Bastar’s living cultural heritage.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 10, 2026: The divisional-level Bastar Pandum 2026 concluded on a grand note at Lal Bagh Ground in Jagdalpur, with Sukma district emerging as the standout performer in the prestigious cultural festival. A tribal theatre group from Sukma clinched the first prize for its compelling stage performance, drawing widespread appreciation for its authenticity, creativity and deep cultural roots.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai personally felicitated the winning artists, presenting them with a memento and a cash award of Rs 50,000 in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Bastar’s indigenous art forms. Senior public representatives, administrative officers, artists and a large audience witnessed the ceremony, marking the successful culmination of the divisional round of the festival.
The Bastar Pandum initiative, conceptualised under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to revive, protect and promote the original forms of Bastar’s traditional dances, music, theatre, crafts, cuisine and folk literature. By providing a structured and prestigious platform to grassroots artists, the programme seeks not only to safeguard cultural traditions facing gradual decline but also to create avenues for sustainable livelihoods within tribal communities.
Sukma district’s strong presence at the event reflected meticulous preparation and collective effort at the local level. Under the guidance of Collector Shri Amit Kumar and the effective coordination of District CEO Shri Mukund Thakur, as many as 69 artists from Sukma participated in 12 different art categories, showcasing the district’s diverse cultural expressions at the divisional stage.
In the theatre category, the troupe from Parla Gatta village, located under the remote Gram Panchayat Kondasawli of Konta Development Block, secured first position. Their performance was based on the life, beliefs and traditions of the Muriya tribe and stood out for its originality, visual richness and emotional depth.
The 13-member troupe, comprising nine men and four women, enthralled the audience by creatively using everyday objects such as palm leaves, peacock feathers, bows and arrows, fishing nets and traditional tools. These elements were woven seamlessly into the narrative, transforming simple materials into powerful symbols of tribal life, nature and community values. The performance offered a vivid portrayal of living tribal art, blending storytelling, movement and indigenous aesthetics.
Artists from Parla Gatta village, including Lekam Lakka, Prakash Sodi, Vinod Sodi, Joga Sudam and other team members, brought pride to Sukma district with their achievement. Their success was supported by the dedicated efforts of Nodal Officer Shri Maniram Markam and Shri P. Srinivas Rao, whose continuous mentoring, encouragement and logistical support played a crucial role in preparing the artists for the divisional-level competition.
Officials and cultural observers noted that Bastar Pandum has emerged as a landmark initiative in Chhattisgarh’s cultural landscape, creating renewed interest among younger generations in traditional art forms while giving tribal artists the recognition they deserve. The strong performance by Sukma district reaffirmed the richness of Bastar’s cultural heritage and the potential of community-led initiatives in preserving India’s diverse indigenous traditions.
