Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh for the special celebration of the ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival, saying the event showcased the rich culture, traditions and tribal heritage of the Bastar region while reflecting its transformation into a symbol of development and self-confidence.
The festival, held from February 7 to 9, emerged as a major cultural platform highlighting Bastar’s tribal identity through art, music, dance, handicrafts and indigenous cuisine.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said such events play a vital role in preserving India’s cultural heritage and empowering local communities.
“Between February 7 and 9, a special celebration of ‘Bastar Pandum’ was organised in Chhattisgarh. During this festival, the rich culture, traditions, and tribal heritage of Bastar were showcased in a magnificent way. My heartfelt congratulations to all those associated with this effort. Such events play a vital role in preserving our cultural heritage and empowering local communities,” said the Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the region’s past, PM Modi noted that Bastar was earlier associated with Maoism, violence and underdevelopment, but said the situation has now changed significantly.
“Earlier, whenever the name of Bastar was mentioned, images of Maoism, violence, and backwardness would come to mind. But now the situation has completely changed. Today, Bastar is known not only for its development but also for the growing self-confidence of its local people,” he said, expressing hope that the region’s future would be marked by peace, progress and cultural pride.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the festival, saying Bastar is moving beyond fear and violence and emerging as a cultural ambassador of a developed India. Sharing his experience from the event in Jagdalpur, Shah said he interacted with tribal communities and distributed awards to artists participating in the festival.
“Left-wing extremism is losing ground, and Bastar is now moving forward with its culture and heritage, emerging as a brand ambassador of a developed India,” Shah said in a post on X.
The Bastar Pandum festival was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu at Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of Bastar. Addressing the gathering, the President said the lives of the people of Bastar are deeply rooted in celebration and cultural values, adding that the festival offers the country and the world a glimpse into the region’s diverse tribal heritage.
President Murmu also referred to the challenges faced by the region over the past four decades due to Maoist violence, noting that tribal communities, youth and Dalits suffered the most. She said decisive action by the Central government has helped dismantle the atmosphere of fear and insecurity, paving the way for peace and development.
Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu were present at the inaugural ceremony.
As part of the festival, divisional-level competitions were held, with more than 700 artists from 84 teams participating across twelve cultural disciplines. These included traditional tribal dances, folk music, handicrafts, indigenous musical instruments and traditional cuisine, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of Bastar’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The festival, organised by the Chhattisgarh government, witnessed large crowds and is being seen as a reflection of the region’s evolving narrative – from conflict to cultural pride and development.
(With agency inputs)
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