o Winners of Bastar Pandum-2026 were specially felicitated
o Bastar is moving ahead in a new direction of development, peace and prosperity: Draupadi Murmu
o Expressed desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum, said, Bastar Dussehra touches the heart
o Such splendor of Bastar's tribal culture was seen for the first time in Rashtrapati Bhavan: Home Minister Amit Shah
o 209-member delegation led by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai arrived

New Delhi/Raipur. A new history was created today in the country's highest constitutional building, Rashtrapati Bhavan. For the first time, the unmatched splendor of Bastar's rich tribal culture, folk traditions and costumes was visible. Welcoming the 209-member delegation from Bastar led by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, President Draupadi Murmu not only cordially served food to everyone herself, but also expressed her keen desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum.

During this, the Chief Minister presented a 300-year-old 'Jhitku-Mitki' artwork from Bastar, which the President was overwhelmed by. The delegation included Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, along with the winning participants of Bastar Pandum-2026, representatives of the traditional tribal leadership system, Padma Shri awardees, public representatives and senior officials.

President Draupadi Murmu hosted a special banquet in honor of the winning participants of Bastar Pandum-2026, Pargana Manjhi, Manjhi, Chalaki, and Padma Shri awardees. The President personally served food to all the guests, demonstrating her warmth. The President held cordial and informal discussions with the delegation members, inquiring about Bastar's tribal culture, folk arts, traditional social systems, and experiences related to organizing the Bastar Pandum. She encouraged the artists and traditional tribal representatives and praised their cultural heritage.

At the request of Chief Minister Sai, President Draupadi Murmu expressed her desire to attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum and said that she would definitely attend these events in the future. The President said that Bastar Dussehra especially touches her heart. Referring to the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath and the unique traditions of Bastar Dussehra, she said that she has a close connection with Bastar Dussehra. She also said that Manjhis are part of her family and that her father was also a Manjhi.

In her address, President Draupadi Murmu said that Bastar Pandum is a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh's rich tribal traditions, folk arts, and cultural heritage, which has played an important role in establishing Bastar's true identity at the national and international level. She said that such events have not only reconnected the youth with their traditions and cultural heritage but have also given a new impetus to tourism and local employment. The President praised the talent of Bastar's tribal artists, craftsmen, and youth and expressed confidence that they will continue to make significant contributions to nation-building while preserving their cultural identity.

The President said that, thanks to the efforts of the government and local public participation, Bastar is today moving forward in a new direction of peace, development, and prosperity. He praised the expansion of infrastructure such as education, roads, electricity, and drinking water in Bastar, and the new environment of development, calling it a matter of joy and pride for the entire country. He also praised the social and cultural role of the Manjhi and Chalaki, saying that they are making a significant contribution to the preservation of Bastar's traditions and cultural values ​​by acting as an effective bridge between society and administration. On this occasion, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that while he has visited Rashtrapati Bhavan many times, he was particularly pleased to see such a large delegation dressed in traditional tribal attire from Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the first time.

CM Sai stated that this warm meeting of the Bastar delegation with the President is a moment of great pride and honor for Chhattisgarh, especially the Bastar region. This was a historic opportunity to present Bastar's rich tribal culture, traditions, and folk life to the President. Today, Bastar is moving forward with a new identity of peace, development, and cultural renaissance. Events like Bastar Pandum have given our tribal culture new prestige at the national level. He added that the President has a special, intimate connection with tribal society and culture. His experience, affection, and guidance will give new direction to efforts to preserve and promote Bastar's cultural heritage.

Chief Minister Sai has also requested the President to visit Bastar. He said, we are confident that his arrival will give new inspiration and wide recognition at the national level to the rich tribal culture, traditions and development journey of Bastar. During this, the delegation visited the Rashtrapati Bhavan and also received important information related to the democratic and constitutional heritage of the country. On this occasion, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Special Secretary and Public Relations Commissioner Rajat Bansal, Secretary of Culture Department Dr. S Bharatidasan, Commissioner of Bastar Division Doman Singh, Director of Culture and Official Language Sanjay Kannauje and other senior officers were present.

The artwork of 'Jhitku-Mitki' reached the President's court
CM Sai presented the 'Jhitku-Mitki' memento, a symbol of Bastar's rich tribal culture, love, dedication and folk faith, to President Draupadi Murmu. Jhitku-Mitki is a symbol of Bastar's nearly 300-year-old immortal love story. According to folklore, during a severe famine, Jhitku and Mitki set a unique example of their love and dedication, due to which they received divine respect. Today in Bastar, Jhitku is worshipped as 'Khoriya Raja' and Mitki as 'Gappa Dei'. This statue is considered a symbol of Bastar's rich tribal culture, folk faith, love, sacrifice and social harmony.