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 of Bastar led by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, President Draupadi Murmu not only served food to everyone cordially, but also expressed her keen desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum.
during this time with Chief Minister Presented the 300 year old ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ artwork of Bastar, seeing which the President appeared overwhelmed. The delegation included Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Aggarwal, winning participants of Bastar Pandum-2026, representatives of traditional tribal leadership system, Padmashree awarded personalities, public representatives and senior officials.
appreciation of cultural heritage
President Draupadi Murmu, while having an intimate and informal discussion with the members of the delegation, took information about Bastar’s tribal culture, folk arts, traditional social system and experiences related to organizing Bastar Pandum. He encouraged the artists and traditional tribal representatives and appreciated their cultural heritage.
On the request of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, President Draupadi Murmu expressed her desire to participate in Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum and said that she will definitely come to these events in future. The President said that Bastar Dussehra especially touches his heart. Referring to the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath and the unique traditions of Bastar Dussehra, he said that he has a close connection with Bastar Dussehra. He also said that Manjhi is a part of his family and his father was also a Manjhi.
Live celebration of cultural heritage
President Draupadi Murmu in his address said that Bastar Pandum is a vibrant celebration of the rich tribal traditions, folk arts and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, which has done an important job of establishing the real identity of Bastar at the national and international level.
He said that such events have not only reconnected the youth with their traditions and cultural heritage but have also given new momentum to tourism and local employment. Praising the talent of the tribal artists, craftsmen and youth of Bastar, the President expressed confidence that they will continue to make important contributions to nation building while preserving their cultural identity.
The President said that due to the efforts of the government and local public participation, Bastar is today moving in a new direction of peace, development and prosperity. Praising the new environment of expansion and development of basic facilities like education, roads, electricity, drinking water in Bastar, he called it a matter of happiness and pride for the entire country.
He also praised the social and cultural role of Manjhi and Chalki and said that they are making an important contribution in preserving the traditions and cultural values of Bastar by working as an effective bridge between the society and the administration.
Peace, development and cultural renaissance
On this occasion, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that he has visited Rashtrapati Bhavan many times, but for the first time he was especially happy to see such a large delegation in traditional tribal costumes of Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that this cordial meeting of the Bastar delegation with the President is an occasion of great pride and honor for Chhattisgarh, especially the Bastar region. This was a historic opportunity to present the rich tribal culture, traditions and folk life of Bastar to the President.
Today Bastar is moving forward with a new identity of peace, development and cultural renaissance. Events like Bastar Pandum have given new prestige to our tribal culture at the national level.
He said that the President has a special close connection with the tribal society and culture. His experience, affection and guidance will give a new direction to the efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Bastar. Chief Minister Sai has also requested the President to visit Bastar. Said that we are confident that with his arrival the rich tribal culture, traditions and development journey of Bastar will get new inspiration and wide recognition at the national level.
During this, the delegation visited Rashtrapati Bhavan and also obtained important information related to the democratic and constitutional heritage of the country.
On this occasion, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Special Secretary and Public Relations Commissioner Rajat Bansal, Secretary of Culture Department Dr. S. Bharathidasan, Commissioner of Bastar Division Doman Singh, Director of Culture and Official Language Sanjay Kannauje and other senior officials were present.
Artwork of ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ reached the President’s court
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai presented ‘Jhitku-Mitki’ memento, a symbol of Bastar’s rich tribal culture, love, dedication and public faith, to President Draupadi Murmu. Jhitkumitki is a symbol of the almost 300 years old immortal love story of Bastar. According to legend, during the severe famine, Jhitku and Mitki presented a unique example of their love and dedication, due to which they received god-like respect. Today in Bastar, Jhitku is worshiped as ‘Khodiya Raja’ and Mitki is worshiped as ‘Gappa Dei’. This statue is considered a symbol of Bastar’s rich tribal culture, folk faith, love, sacrifice and social harmony.
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