President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026, a vibrant three-day tribal festival in Chhattisgarh’s Jagdalpur, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bastar while marking the region’s transition from decades of Maoist violence to peace and development. The festival, held at Lalbagh Ground, showcases the indigenous art, traditions, and harmonious lifestyle of Bastar’s tribal communities.

In her address, President Murmu described Pandum as a celebration intertwined with every aspect of life in Bastar. “When farmers sow seeds, it is Pandum; when mango season arrives, it is Pandum. The people of Bastar celebrate life in every form,” she said, noting that the rest of the country could draw inspiration from this joyful, nature-aligned approach.

Highlighting the toll of four decades of insurgency, she acknowledged the suffering of youth, tribals, and Dalit communities due to insecurity and mistrust. She praised the Union government’s decisive action against Maoist terror, crediting it for enabling former insurgents to return to mainstream society and participate in peacebuilding initiatives.

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President Murmu underscored the progress achieved through government welfare programs, including electricity, roads, water, and reopened schools in remote villages. She lauded the Niyad Nellanar Yojana and urged rehabilitated individuals to trust the Constitution and democracy while pursuing hard work and resisting attempts to derail their path to peace.

Education featured prominently in her remarks, with special mention of Eklavya Model Residential Schools offering quality education to tribal children. She called on parents to prioritize learning, describing it as vital for both personal growth and regional development, and highlighted the significance of Bastar Dussehra and other cultural traditions in promoting community and heritage.

Concluding her address, President Murmu encouraged Bastar’s youth to leverage Central and state welfare schemes to drive regional advancement, contributing to a “Viksit Bharat.” The inauguration was attended by Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and other dignitaries, reflecting the importance of Bastar Pandum as both a cultural and developmental milestone.

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