President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Hosts Bastar’s Tribal Delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Honours Majhi-Chalki Leaders and Bastar Pandum Winners
President Expresses Desire to Attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum; Says Bastar is Marching Towards Peace, Development and Prosperity
Shri Amit Shah Calls the Gathering an Unprecedented Celebration of Bastar’s Tribal Heritage at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Raipur, July , 2026/ Bastar’s rich tribal heritage, vibrant folk traditions and centuries-old community leadership system created a historic moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan today as a 209-member delegation led by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was accorded a warm welcome by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
The delegation comprised winners of Bastar Pandum-2026, representatives of Bastar’s traditional tribal leadership system, including Pargana Majhis, Majhis and Chalkis, Padma Shri awardees, public representatives, artists and senior government officials.
In a deeply moving gesture, President Smt Murmu hosted a special luncheon in honour of the Bastar Pandum winners, tribal leaders and Padma Shri awardees. She personally served food to every guest, a gesture that left the entire delegation deeply touched and reflected her warmth and respect for the tribal community.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, and senior administrative officers were also part of the delegation.
Interacting warmly with the members, the President sought detailed information about Bastar’s tribal culture, folk arts, traditional social institutions, the Majhi-Chalki system and the Bastar Pandum festival. Appreciating the contribution of tribal leaders and artists, she said Bastar’s cultural heritage is an invaluable national treasure whose preservation is the collective responsibility of the country.
President Keen to Visit Bastar
Responding to Chief Minister Shri Sai’s invitation, President Smt. Murmu expressed her desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in the future. She said Bastar Dussehra holds a special place in her heart and recalled the unique traditions associated with the festival, including the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath, noting her deep emotional connection with the celebrations.
Sharing a personal reflection, the President said that the Majhis are like members of her own family and that her father, too, was a Majhi. She observed that the traditional tribal leadership system remains a strong foundation for social harmony, community participation and the preservation of cultural values.
‘Bastar Pandum Has Given Tribal Culture a New Identity’
President Smt. Murmu described Bastar Pandum as a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal traditions, folk arts and cultural heritage. She said the festival has brought Bastar’s authentic cultural identity to national and international prominence.
She added that such cultural initiatives inspire young people to remain connected with their roots while also promoting tourism, generating local employment and strengthening economic activity.
Expressing confidence in the region’s future, the President said Bastar’s artists, artisans and youth would continue to safeguard their cultural identity while making meaningful contributions to nation-building.
