Raipur: To promote the rich tribal heritage of Bastar, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai formally released the official logo and theme song of Bastar Pandum 2026 at Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada, seeking the blessings of Maa Danteshwari. The festival, following last year’s successful edition, is set to emerge as a world-class cultural celebration, showcasing Bastar’s art, culture, folk traditions, and heritage.
Bastar Pandum: A Living Platform of Tribal Culture
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai described Bastar Pandum as “not merely a festival, but the soul of Bastar—a vibrant expression of its tribal culture, folk traditions, art, and heritage.” He noted that launching the festival from the sacred temple premises symbolises the deep spiritual and cultural roots of the region.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Chhattisgarh’s identity lies in its tribal traditions, which are expressed through:
- Folk dances and music
- Traditional crafts and costumes
- Indigenous cuisine
- Forest-based medicines
- Sacred village shrines
He highlighted that the previous edition of Bastar Pandum was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and for 2026, invitations will be extended to the President of India, Union Ministers for Culture and Tourism, and ambassadors of various countries.
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Expanded Competitions and Broader Participation
For Bastar Pandum 2026, the number of competitive disciplines has increased from seven to twelve, covering:
- Tribal dance
- Music
- Theatre
- Traditional musical instruments
- Costumes and ornaments
- Worship practices
- Crafts and painting
- Traditional food and beverages
- Regional literature
- Forest-based medicinal knowledge
The competitions will be held in three phases to ensure broader participation and representation of local talent.
Festival Schedule and Scope
Bastar Pandum 2026 will be conducted from January 10 to February 5, 2026, in three stages:
- Janpad-Level: January 10–20
- District-Level: January 24–29
- Divisional-Level: February 2–6
The event will span 1,885 gram panchayats, 32 janpad panchayats, eight municipalities, twelve nagar panchayats, and one municipal corporation across the seven districts of Bastar division.
Special efforts will be made to invite Indian ambassadors, UPSC and CGPSC officers, doctors, engineers, public representatives, and tribal dance troupes from other states. Participants can register both online and offline, ensuring maximum engagement.
Government Support and Cultural Vision
Chief Minister Sai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Bastar’s culture and passing it to future generations, highlighting that Bastar will now be recognized not for conflict, but for creativity, celebration, peace, and tourism. He credited the double-engine government under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for promoting the region’s development.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma explained the significance of the word “Pandum” and the traditional practice of beginning festivals with blessings from the Mother Goddess, emphasizing Bastar’s cultural richness and the positive impact of peace initiatives, including the expected elimination of left-wing extremism by March 2026.
Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap highlighted Bastar’s mythological and historical significance, referencing Lord Mr. Ram’s time in Dandakaranya, and called Bastar Pandum an initiative to establish the region’s cultural identity globally.
Culture Minister Mr. Rajesh Agrawal confirmed the festival’s second consecutive year of organization and reiterated the inclusion of twelve competitive disciplines.
Participation of Tribal Leaders and Public Representatives
During the event, Chief Minister Sai interacted with senior traditional leaders, priests, prominent tribal members, and Padma awardee artists. Bastar MP Mr. Mahesh Kashyap and Dantewada MLA Mr. Chaitram Atami addressed the gathering, while other officials present included:
- Bastar IG Mr. Sundarraj P.
- Secretary, Culture Department Mr. Rohit Yadav
- DIG Mr. Kamlochan Kashyap
- Collector Mr. Devesh Kumar Dhruv
- SP Mr. Gaurav Rai
Traditional leaders and community representatives expressed gratitude to the government for organizing Bastar Pandum.
