The exhibition offered a detailed representation of tribal folk culture, featuring displays of traditional art forms, craftwork, ornaments, textiles, rituals and musical traditions. Visitors were introduced to the diverse heritage of tribes from Surguja, Bastar and other regions, with insights into their daily lives, beliefs, and the materials they gather from forests for sustenance and healing.<\/p>\n
President Murmu showed keen interest in the meticulously arranged displays, which reflected not only the aesthetic richness but also the deep cultural roots of tribal society.<\/p>\n
Prayers at the Akhara and Devgudi Models<\/strong><\/p>\n A key attraction was the life-sized representations of the traditional Akhara and Devgudi, two sacred spaces central to tribal cultural and spiritual life. The President visited these symbolic models and offered prayers to the deities.<\/p>\n The Akhara, historically located at the centre of tribal villages, represents a communal space where people gather during major festivals such as Karma, Sohrai, Mahadev Bair and Teeja Aathe. Tribal youths performed traditional dances and songs near the exhibit, demonstrating the vibrant customs associated with these gatherings.<\/p>\n The Devgudi, known by various names such as Devla, Sarna and Mandar, represents the spiritual heart of tribal villages. Here, idols of Budhadev, Budhidai, Sheetla, Sarnadev, Mahadev and other deities are enshrined. Tribal elders explained to the President how villagers assemble at these sites under the guidance of Baigas to pray for prosperity, health and peace. Display of Traditional Tribal Housing<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most appreciated exhibits was a full-scale model of a traditional tribal house made of mud and wood. The structure featured compact rooms, sloping tiled roofs, and a functional verandah displaying everyday household items including the dheki, musal, sil-batta and janta. The model highlighted the sustainable, resource-efficient building practices of tribal communities, and the President spent considerable time observing its features.<\/p>\n Jewellery Pavilion Showcases Heritage and Craftsmanship<\/strong><\/p>\n A separate pavilion showcased jewellery worn by tribal communities during festivals and ceremonies. Items such as the Hasuli, Bahuta, Anthi, Chandwa, Kamarbandh, Pairi, Bichhiya, Thotha and Chhuchhiya were displayed, along with information on their materials and cultural significance. Kalinder Ram presented the President with a Pairi and Gamchha as a symbol of traditional respect, which she accepted warmly.<\/p>\n Musical Instruments Reflect Cultural Identity<\/strong><\/p>\n The pavilion dedicated to tribal musical instruments demonstrated the depth of Chhattisgarh\u2019s musical heritage. Instruments such as Mandar, Dhol, Jhanjh, Manjira, Sarangi, Tambura, Bansuri, Khanjari, Chaurasi and Paijan were showcased, each representing the rhythmic soul of tribal festivals. The reverberating sounds of these instruments fill the air during celebrations in Surguja and Bastar, sometimes reaching across entire valleys.<\/p>\n Herbal Knowledge and Traditional Healing Practices<\/strong><\/p>\n A large section of the exhibition was devoted to indigenous medicines and herbs used by tribal healers including Vaidyas, Baigas, Gunians and Hathjods. The display included Ashwagandha, Giloy, Safed Musli, Mulethi, Arjun bark, Harsingar, Shilajit, Harra, Bahera, Bhuichampa, Gokhru and dozens of other herbs collected from forests. These plants constitute the foundation of tribal healthcare systems passed down generations.<\/p>\n Diverse Tribal Cuisine and Forest Produce on Display<\/strong><\/p>\n The food court drew crowds with its diverse spread of tribal cuisine. Local women demonstrated preparation of traditional rotis, chutneys, laddoos and seasonal dishes. A special section displayed various tubers such as Kanda-Pitharu Kanda, Dang Kanda, Nakwa Kanda and Sakhain Kanda, highlighting the community\u2019s deep dependence on forest produce for nutrition.<\/p>\n Dignitaries Accompany the President<\/strong><\/p>\n Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Ministers Durga Das Uikey and Tokhan Sahu, Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam, Finance Minister Omprakash Choudhary, Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and several other Cabinet members and public representatives accompanied the President during her visit. MPs, MLAs and the Mayor of Ambikapur were also present.<\/p>\n The event concluded with cultural performances celebrating the courage, identity and heritage of tribal communities, marking Janjatiya Gaurav Divas as a day of pride and recognition for the tribal population of Chhattisgarh and the nation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" President Droupadi Murmu attends as chief guest; extensive exhibition highlights tribal heritage, culture, crafts, cuisine and traditions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,118,188,117],"tags":[128],"class_list":["post-4772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-chhattishgarh","category-president-of-india-office","category-state","tag-office-of-the-president-of-india"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thefrontpage24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/859bd6b3-59d7-4810-affb-52655123798d-1024x709.jpeg\")
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