President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 2026 Bastar Pandum festival at Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, on Saturday (7th February). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the 2-day event will offer a glimpse into the rich tribal culture of the Bastar region.
President Murmu highlighted the potential of the Bastar region and said that the people of the region, particularly Dalits, have long suffered due to Maoist extremism for several decades. She praised the centre for uprooting the Maoist ideology from the region and providing a safe and secure environment to the people of Bastar.
“The traditions and culture of Bastar have always attracted people, but unfortunately, this region was plagued by Maoism for four decades. As a result, people here suffered immensely. The youth, tribals, and Dalit brothers and sisters were the worst affected. But, due to the decisive action taken by the Government of India against Maoist terror, the atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and mistrust that prevailed for years is now coming to an end. Those associated with Maoism are abandoning the path of violence, bringing peace back to the lives of the citizens,” President Murmu said. She praised the Maoists who laid down weapons and decided to join the mainstream.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. She highlighted that the traditions and culture of Bastar have always attracted people. She urged the residents to pursue development while preserving the region's rich heritage. The President… pic.twitter.com/cp1Yr1NLy3
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 7, 2026
“Many development and welfare schemes are being implemented for them. The state government’s ‘Niyad Nellanar Yojana’ is playing a significant role in empowering the villagers,” the President said. “Electricity, roads, and water facilities are becoming available in every village. Schools that had been closed for years are reopening, and children are attending classes. This is a very encouraging picture that is bringing joy to all citizens,” she added.
President Murmu lauded the Central government’s various schemes, which are proving beneficial for tribal people in the region. “Through programmes like the PM-JANMAN Yojana and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, the benefits of development are reaching the most deprived tribal villages,” President Murmu said. “Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established in tribal areas so that children from these regions can receive a good education. This is how the future of Chhattisgarh and India will brighten,” she stated.
मां दंतेश्वरी को समर्पित बस्तर दशहरा जनजातीय संस्कृति और भाईचारे का अनूठा उदाहरण है। हमें अपने गौरवशाली इतिहास से प्रेरणा लेते हुए स्वर्णिम भविष्य का निर्माण करना है। विकास का वही मॉडल सफल है, जो विरासत को संजोते हुए आगे बढ़े। pic.twitter.com/mhpsYumoVM
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 7, 2026
What is Bastar Dussehra?
Bastar Dussehra is a 75-day-long festival celebrated by tribals (Adivasis) in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The festival is unique for being one of the longest Dussehra celebrations. It begins on the day of the new moon in the Hindu month of Shravan and ends in the month of Ashwin.
Unlike the popular Dussehra festivities, which celebrate the defeat of Ravana by Lord Ram, Bastar Dussehra celebrates Danteshwari Devi, the presiding deity of Bastar, and the Kuldevi of the Bastar royal family. The festival is marked by a series of intricate rituals, vibrant processions, and cultural performances.
The festival is one of the oldest festivals of the country with a history of over 600 years. It was initiated by the Kakatiya dynasty and has been preserved and promoted by the local tribal communities ever since. The festival is deeply linked to spiritual beliefs of the tribes of Bastar. It involves various rituals like Pat Jatra, Ratha Yatra, Kachan Gadi, and Muriya Darbar.
