00 A glimpse of tribal life was seen in Bastar Pandum, Union Home Minister was mesmerized by the exhibition
00 Bastar Pandum has become a unique symbol of tribal culture, winners were honored

Raipur. On the closing ceremony of the division-level Bastar Pandum 2026, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah visited an exhibition on tribal traditions and culture held at Lalbag Maidan. He visited various stalls and learned about the products, handicrafts, and arts used in the lives of tribal communities.

The Union Home Minister appreciated the exhibition based on Dhokra craft, Terracotta, Wood Carving, Sisal art, Bamboo and Iron craft, Tribal costumes and jewellery, Tumba art, Tribal painting, Forest medicine, local cuisine and folk paintings. He said that the culture of Bastar is a living form of the soul of India.
Traditional costumes and jewellery of Dandami Madia, Abujhmadia, Muria, Bhatra and Halba tribes were displayed in the exhibition. A live glimpse of tribal life, nature and traditions was presented through tribal painting. At the same time, a live demonstration of forest medicines was also given by Vaidyaraj. 

The local cuisine stall showcased traditional dishes like Jondhri Laai Laddu, Mandia Pej, Amat, Chapra Chutney, Kulathi Dal, Paan Bobo, Tikhur, and beverages like Landa and Sulfi.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that Bastar Pandum is a powerful medium to preserve tribal culture and pass it on to the next generation. The state government is continuously working for the preservation of tribal arts, crafts and traditions. On this occasion, the Union Home Minister met and congratulated the winning teams in the twelve genres of Bastar Pandum competition. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev and other public representatives were present at the event.

Winners of Bastar Pandum 2026 Division Level Competition
1. Tribal Dance - Gaur Madia Nritya (Budhram Sodhi, Dantewada)
2. Tribal Songs - Palanar Group (Mangali and Friends, Dantewada)
3. Tribal Drama - Lekham Lakha (Sukma)
4. Tribal Musical Instruments - Rajau Mandi and Friends (Kondagaon)
5. Tribal Costumes - Gunjan Nag (Sukma)
6. Tribal Jewellery - Sudani Dugga (Narayanpur)
7. Tribal Crafts - Omprakash Gawade (Koya Arts, Kanker)
8. Tribal Painting - Deepak Jurri (Kanker)
9. Tribal Beverages - Bhairam Baba Group (Urmila Pradhan, Bijapur)
10. Tribal Cuisine - Mrs. Tarabati (Dantewada)
11. Regional Literature - Uttam Naik (Kondagaon)
12. Bastar Forest Medicine - Rajdev Baghel (Bastar)