Kumar Bahukhandi
President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attend the Bastar Dussehra celebration in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
President celebrates Bastar’s tribal heritage as Chief Minister Sai outlines development priorities and Culture Minister announces enhanced monthly honorariums for Manjhis and Chalkis
Key Highlights
- President Droupadi Murmu praises the community participation that sustains the approximately 75-day Bastar Dussehra festival.
- She describes the Muria Darbar as an example of grassroots democratic dialogue.
- Governor Ramen Deka emphasises dialogue, collective responsibility and respect for every voice.
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai outlines initiatives in connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism and livelihoods.
- Monthly honorariums rise from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for Manjhis and from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 for Chalkis.
Raipur: President Droupadi Murmu describes Bastar Dussehra as a living symbol of social harmony, collective faith, democratic values and tribal heritage while attending the festival in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai join the celebrations, where the President highlights the shared responsibilities and community participation that sustain the approximately 75-day festival.
Shared Responsibilities Sustain a Unique Festival
Paying obeisance to Maa Danteshwari, President Murmu said she was delighted to participate in Bastar Dussehra. She highlighted the involvement of different clans, communities and sections of society in its rituals.
From building and pulling the chariot to conducting worship and other ceremonies, each community fulfils responsibilities passed down through generations.
“Bastar Dussehra is a living symbol of collective faith, social harmony and tribal heritage. The participation of different communities is an outstanding example of social unity, mutual cooperation and cultural continuity,” the President said.
Muria Darbar Reflects Grassroots Democracy
President Murmu described the Muria Darbar as an important expression of democratic traditions at the community level.
She said representatives from different sections of society sit together to discuss public concerns, needs and social issues. Solutions reached through collective dialogue strengthen cooperation and community well-being.
“Traditions such as the Muria Darbar strengthen the roots of Indian democracy and give renewed recognition to democratic values,” she said.
The President recalled meeting a Bastar delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan approximately two months earlier. The delegation included Bastar Pandum winners and traditional Pargana Manjhis and Chalkis.
She said events such as Bastar Pandum help young people remain connected with their customs, culture and traditions.
Opportunities for Tribal Talent
President Droupadi Murmu lights the ceremonial lamp at the Bastar Dussehra programme in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap look on. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
President Murmu said tribal communities possess immense talent and potential, which must be supported through opportunities, encouragement and resources.
Praising the participation of young people in the Bastar Olympics, she expressed confidence that suitable platforms could help local sporting talent achieve international success.
“With the right opportunities, encouragement and resources, the sons and daughters of tribal society can bring glory to the country in every field,” she said.
The President also praised coordinated efforts by the Union and state governments to address Naxalism and improve security and development. She expressed confidence that Bastar’s young people would contribute to national progress through their abilities, hard work and participation.
Cultural Heritage and Reverence for Nature
President Droupadi Murmu receives a commemorative model of the Bastar Dussehra chariot from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during the celebration in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026. Photo:channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Referring to Bastar’s association with Dandakaranya in the Ramayana tradition, President Murmu said the region’s cultural memories include episodes connected with Lord Rama’s exile and Mata Shabari’s devotion.
She encouraged people to draw inspiration from these traditions and uphold ethical conduct, dignity and humane values.
The President also highlighted the importance of nature worship in tribal life, where trees and forests are respected as sources of life.
“Along with worshipping nature, it is necessary to protect and nurture it. Forests, hills and natural resources are invaluable assets that must be preserved for future generations,” she said.
She urged citizens to plant more trees, protect forests and use natural resources responsibly, noting that a tree takes decades to mature.
President Murmu also supported efforts to connect tribal entrepreneurs with finance and markets, describing these as important steps towards inclusive development and the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Referring to the festival’s concluding traditions, she mentioned Kutumb Jatra and the scheduled farewell of the palanquins of Maa Danteshwari and Devi Mavli on October 27.
‘Dialogue Is the Path to Solutions’: Governor Deka
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai greets the gathering with folded hands during the Bastar Dussehra celebration in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, with Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap alongside him. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Governor Ramen Deka said democratic values are deeply rooted in India’s civilisation and traditions. Collective decision-making, listening to elders and respecting every individual’s voice, he said, are integral to tribal society.
He noted that different villages and communities undertake defined responsibilities in bringing timber, constructing the chariot and conducting the festival.
“Bastar Dussehra and the Muria Darbar convey the message that dialogue is the path to solutions. When the government and society sit together and discuss issues, even the most difficult problems can be resolved,” the Governor said.
He paid tribute to Manjhis, village heads, priests, craftspeople, chariot builders, artists and the local administration for preserving the tradition through their shared effort and devotion.
Sai Outlines Bastar’s Development Priorities
Artists present a traditional dance during the Bastar Dussehra celebration in Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Welcoming the President, Chief Minister Sai recalled her participation in the inauguration of Bastar Pandum in February and her subsequent encouragement of its winners at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“The Muria Darbar is a beautiful expression of tribal culture and democratic traditions. Bastar Dussehra reflects the region’s folk culture, egalitarian thinking, collective participation and mutual trust,” Sai said.
Describing the region as moving beyond violent Maoism, he said the emphasis was now on rebuilding and development.
“Bastar is moving towards reconstruction after freeing itself from violent Maoism. The state government has prepared a clear roadmap for its prosperity and development,” he said.
Sai said the Niyad Nellanar scheme was taking government benefits to remote communities. Roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and PM-JANMAN were connecting interior settlements, while the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Yojana was intended to expand transport services where roads were available.
Connectivity, Healthcare and Education in Focus
The Chief Minister highlighted the newly introduced Raipur–Rowghat train service and said work on the Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway line was continuing.
He also referred to the Raipur–Visakhapatnam expressway, a substantial portion of which passes through Bastar, provisions supporting tourism homestays and efforts through Van Dhan centres to secure fair returns for forest produce collectors.
Sai said a super-speciality hospital had started functioning in Jagdalpur and a medical college in Geedam had begun operations in the current academic session. Education cities were being developed in Orchha and Jagargunda.
“With the President’s guidance and blessings, our efforts to make Bastar a leading division of the country and fulfil the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh will gain renewed strength,” he said.
Higher Honorariums for Traditional Representatives
Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal said Bastar Dussehra’s duration, distinctive rituals and extensive public participation gave it a special identity.
He announced that the monthly honorarium for Manjhis had increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, while that for Chalkis had risen from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500.
“This decision expresses respect and gratitude for the contribution of traditional representatives who preserve Bastar’s cultural heritage,” Agrawal said.
Ministers and Community Representatives Attend
Those present included Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam, Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Bastar MP and Bastar Dussehra Committee president Mahesh Kashyap, Kanker MP Bhojraj Nag, state BJP president and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Kondagaon MLA Lata Usendi and Mayor Sanjay Pandey.
Senior officials, traditional Manjhis and Chalkis, Member-Memberins, Naik-Paiks, committee members and citizens also attended.
