New Delhi, 30 July (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday hosted a special luncheon at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honour of the winners of Bastar Pandum-2026, Manjhi-Chalki representatives, and other tribal delegates from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. Welcoming the 209-member tribal delegation, the President personally served food to the guests and expressed her desire to participate in the famous Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum celebrations in the future.

The delegation that arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai included Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, winners of Bastar Pandum-2026, Pargana Manjhis, Manjhis, Chalkis, Padma awardees, public representatives, and senior officials.

During her interaction with the delegation, President Murmu appreciated Bastar’s tribal culture, folk arts, traditional social system, and the organisation of Bastar Pandum. She said that Bastar Pandum is a vibrant celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal traditions and cultural heritage, which has given a new identity to Bastar at the national and international levels.

The President expressed confidence that such events would help connect the younger generation with their cultural roots while also promoting tourism and local employment opportunities.

Murmu said that due to government initiatives and active participation of local communities, Bastar is moving towards a new era of peace, development, and prosperity. Appreciating the expansion of basic facilities such as education, roads, electricity, and drinking water, she said the progress was a matter of pride for the entire country.

She highlighted the important role of Manjhi and Chalki representatives, describing them as a vital bridge between society and administration.

At the request of Chief Minister Sai, President Murmu expressed her wish to attend Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum in the future. She said that Bastar Dussehra holds a special place in her heart. Referring to the wooden idol of Lord Jagannath and the unique traditions associated with Bastar Dussehra, she said she shared an emotional connection with Bastar. She added that Manjhis are like members of her family and recalled that her father was also a Manjhi.

On the occasion, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that he had visited Rashtrapati Bhavan several times, but he was especially delighted to see such a large tribal delegation from Bastar dressed in traditional attire at the venue for the first time.

During the programme, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented President Murmu with an artwork depicting “Jhitku-Mitki”, a nearly 300-year-old love saga of Bastar. The delegation also toured Rashtrapati Bhavan and gathered information about India’s democratic and constitutional heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar