Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday met President Droupadi Murmu and formally invited her to attend Bastar Pandum 2026 as the chief guest. The state-level tribal cultural festival is aimed at celebrating and promoting the rich heritage of the Bastar region at national and international platforms.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the President on the cultural, artistic, and traditional significance of Bastar, highlighting its vibrant tribal life. He informed her that the festival would be organised in three phases to ensure widespread participation across the state, with the grand finale scheduled to be held in Bastar in February 2026.

Sai emphasized that Bastar Pandum is a flagship initiative of the Chhattisgarh government focused on preserving and promoting tribal art, folk traditions, and indigenous practices. The event reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding tribal identity while giving it broader national and global visibility.

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The Chief Minister also apprised the President of ongoing development initiatives in tribal-dominated regions of the state. He highlighted efforts in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, livelihood generation, and effective implementation of welfare schemes to ensure inclusive growth for tribal communities.

Sai reiterated that the state government is committed to integrating tribal communities into the mainstream of development without compromising their unique cultural heritage. He said that cultural festivals like Bastar Pandum play a crucial role in strengthening cultural pride while fostering socio-economic progress.

President Droupadi Murmu appreciated the initiative and extended her best wishes for the successful organisation of Bastar Pandum 2026. The festival is expected to feature folk dances, traditional music, tribal cuisine, handicrafts, indigenous costumes, and art forms, offering a comprehensive showcase of Bastar’s rich cultural legacy.

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