President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Appreciates Unique Traditions & Tribal Culture of Bastar Dussehra

Bastar Dussehra Is a Living Symbol of Social Harmony, Collective Faith and Democratic Values: President Smt. Droupadi Murmu

With Bastar Free from Naxalism, It Is Now Time for Reconstruction and Development: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Manjhis to Receive Monthly Honorarium of Rs. 5,000 and Chalkis Rs. 3,500

President Smt. Droupadi Murmu attended the world-renowned Bastar Dussehra festival on Friday in Jagdalpur, the sacred land of Maa Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar. Appreciating the festival’s distinctive religious and cultural traditions, she described it as a living symbol of Chhattisgarh’s cultural pride, collective faith, social harmony and tribal heritage. She said that this unique festival, celebrated over approximately 75 days, is an outstanding example of bringing different communities together and preserving traditions passed down through generations.

Offering her respects to Maa Danteshwari, the President said that participating in a world-renowned festival such as Bastar Dussehra is a matter of special happiness for her. Its most distinctive feature is the active participation of different clans, communities and all sections of society. From constructing and pulling the chariot to worship and various rituals, each community fulfils its traditional responsibilities. This collective participation is an exceptional example of social unity, mutual cooperation and cultural continuity.

Muria Darbar Is an Outstanding Example of Democratic Traditions: President Smt. Murmu

President Smt. Murmu described the tradition of Muria Darbar, held as part of Bastar Dussehra, as an outstanding example of democracy at the grassroots. She said that representatives of different sections of society sit together to discuss public grievances, needs and social issues. Solutions reached through collective dialogue help promote the well-being of society and mutual cooperation. Such traditions strengthen the roots of Indian democracy and reinforce democratic values.

She recalled meeting a delegation from Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan approximately two months ago. The delegation included winners of Bastar Pandum, along with Bastar’s Pargana Manjhis and Chalkis. Events such as Bastar Pandum play an important role in connecting tribal youth with their culture, customs and traditions.

Tribal Talent Must Be Given Opportunities

The President said that tribal communities possess immense talent and potential. With suitable opportunities, encouragement and resources, young men and women from these communities can bring honour to the country in every field. Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of tribal youth in the Bastar Olympics, she said that, with an appropriate platform for their sporting talent, young people from Bastar could establish themselves internationally and bring glory to the country by winning medals at prestigious events such as the Olympics.

Referring to the progress in overcoming Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and the positive changes in security and development, the President appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments. She said that, free from the suffering caused by Naxalism, the region is progressing on the path of development. She expressed confidence that Bastar’s youth and tribal communities would make an important contribution to the country’s development through their talent, hard work and participation.

Bastar’s Heritage Is Rooted in the Cultural Memories of Dandakaranya

Referring to Bastar’s historical and religious significance, President Smt. Murmu said that the Ramayana associates this region with Dandakaranya. Many episodes relating to Bhagwan Shri Ram’s exile remain part of the region’s cultural memory. Citing the episode of Mata Shabari, she said that the cultural heritage of tribal communities is an integral part of Indian tradition.

She said that society should draw inspiration from the ideals of Bhagwan Shri Ram, the purity of Mata Sita and the devotion of Mata Shabari, and embrace ethics, propriety and human values in everyday life. Preserving Bastar’s cultural heritage is the responsibility of every citizen.

Nature Conservation Is Integral to the Tribal Philosophy of Life

Appreciating the tradition of nature worship among tribal communities, the President said that respect for trees, plants, forests and natural resources is a distinctive feature of their way of life. Tribal traditions regard trees and plants as sources of life, rather than merely as resources. Nature provides oxygen, water, fruits, flowers, food and medicines. Along with worshipping nature, it is therefore essential to protect and nurture it.

She said that forests, mountains and natural resources are an invaluable heritage. While using them according to our needs, we must also fulfil our responsibility to conserve and replenish them. A tree takes several decades to mature, making forest protection and extensive plantation essential for future generations. She called upon all citizens, particularly members of tribal communities, to plant more trees and plants and keep forests green.

The President said that new development opportunities are opening up in Chhattisgarh. Efforts to connect tribal entrepreneurs with financial facilities and markets are important for inclusive development. She expressed confidence that providing equal opportunities to every section of society would further strengthen the participation of tribal communities in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.

Referring to the traditional rituals of Bastar Dussehra, the President said that ceremonies such as the farewell to village deities through Kutumb Jatra and the farewell to the dolis of Maa Danteshwari and Devi Mavli on 27 October reflect the festival’s distinctive religious and cultural traditions. She prayed to Maa Danteshwari for a bright future for the people of Bastar and for Chhattisgarh’s progress and overall development.

Extending greetings on Bastar Dussehra and Vijayadashami, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that India is the world’s largest democracy and that democratic values are deeply rooted in our civilisation and cultural traditions. He said that collective participation is integral to the tribal way of life. Social decisions in villages are taken through discussion and consensus. Listening to elders and respecting every individual’s voice have always been natural traditions of tribal communities.

The Governor said that, along with its grandeur, Bastar Dussehra teaches the importance of taking every section of society along. From bringing timber for the chariot to constructing and operating it, people from different villages and communities fulfil their assigned responsibilities. This tradition continued even after the end of the monarchy and developed into a strong platform for democratic dialogue.

He said that Bastar Dussehra and Muria Darbar convey the message that dialogue is the path to resolving problems. When the administration and society sit together for discussions, even the most difficult problems can be resolved. He appreciated the contributions of Manjhis, village heads, priests, craftspeople, chariot builders, artists, the local administration and all those whose collective labour and devotion have kept this world-renowned tradition alive through generations.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to the Bastar Dussehra festival in Jagdalpur. He said that the President has a deep connection with Bastar. In February this year, she inaugurated Bastar Pandum. Subsequently, she honoured its winners and encouraged them by inviting them to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Her presence at Bastar Dussehra today has further enthused the people of Bastar.

The Chief Minister said that Muria Darbar is a beautiful expression of tribal culture and democratic traditions. Celebrated over approximately 75 days, Bastar Dussehra reflects Bastar’s folk culture. Its rituals demonstrate the egalitarian ideas, collective participation and mutual trust inherent in tribal society.

He said that this year’s Bastar Dussehra is particularly significant. While the President’s gracious presence has added to the festival’s prestige, Bastar is also moving towards reconstruction after becoming free from violent Naxalism. Events such as Bastar Pandum and the Bastar Olympics are playing an important role in accelerating this change. Bastar Pandum is taking the region’s rich tribal art, culture and traditions to audiences across India and abroad.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government has prepared a clear roadmap for Bastar’s prosperity and development. Benefits of government schemes are reaching remote areas through the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana. Work is underway to connect interior habitations by road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and PM-JANMAN. In areas where roads have been built, efforts are being made to expand transport facilities through the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana.

He said that a new rail service has commenced between Raipur and Rowghat, while work on the Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway line is underway. A large section of the Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway passes through Bastar. Special provisions have been made for homestays to promote tourism. Efforts are also being made through Van Dhan Kendras to ensure that forest produce collectors receive fair prices for their produce.

The Chief Minister said that a super-speciality hospital has started functioning in Jagdalpur and that a medical college in Geedam has commenced operations from the current academic session. Work is underway to develop Education Cities in Orchha and Jagargunda. He expressed confidence that the President’s guidance and blessings would strengthen efforts to make Bastar the country’s leading division and fulfil the resolve for a developed Chhattisgarh.

Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal offered his respects to Maa Danteshwari, Maa Mavli and all the village deities of the Bastar region, and welcomed President Smt. Droupadi Murmu. He said that Bastar Dussehra stands apart from other festivals in the country because of its duration, unique traditions, faith and extensive public participation. Celebrated over approximately 75 days, the festival is not merely a religious event but a living expression of Bastar’s cultural identity.

He said that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the government has taken important steps to honour traditional representatives and strengthen their economic position. The monthly honorarium for Manjhis has been increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000, while that for Chalkis has been raised from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 3,500. This decision expresses respect and gratitude for the contributions of traditional representatives who preserve Bastar’s cultural heritage.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Bastar MP and Chairman of the Bastar Dussehra Committee Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Kanker MP Shri Bhojraj Nag, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Deo, Kondagaon MLA Sushri Lata Usendi, Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey and several other public representatives were present.

Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat, Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Shri B. N. Meena, Collector Shri Akash Chhikara and Superintendent of Police Shri Shalabh Sinha also attended, along with traditional Manjhis and Chalkis, Member-Memberins, Naik-Paiks, members of the Bastar Dussehra Committee and a large number of distinguished citizens.