President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum festival at Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of Bastar in Chhattisgarh. The festival marks the tribal heritage of the Bastar region and brings together cultural performances, traditional crafts and indigenous food practices. It is being held against the backdrop of long-standing Maoist violence in the region, which has affected tribal communities, youth and Dalit sections for decades.
Bastar’s Tribal Cultural Identity
The Bastar Pandum festival is designed to showcase the rich and diverse tribal culture of Bastar. The event gives national visibility to local traditions, customs and community life. It reflects the cultural depth of the region, where festivals, dance forms and folk practices remain central to social identity.
Festival Events and Participation
Divisional-level competitions under the festival will continue till 9 February. More than 700 artists from 84 teams are participating. Performances are being organised across 12 cultural disciplines. These include:
- Tribal dances
- Handicrafts
- Traditional tribal cuisine
- Indigenous musical instruments
Maoism and Regional Impact
The Bastar region has faced Maoist violence for about four decades. This has created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity and mistrust in several areas. Tribal communities have borne a major share of the impact. The festival also symbolises the effort to restore confidence and normalcy in the region.
Government Presence and Significance
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu. The event combines cultural celebration with a broader message of social resilience and regional development in Bastar.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026