Kumar Bahukhandi
An aerial view shows the expansive setting of the 20,700-square-foot rangoli made from forest produce and grains at Lalbagh ground in Jagdalpur, prepared for President Droupadi Murmu’s Bastar Dussehra visit on Friday, 23 October 2026.Photo :channel24india.com via CG/DPR
President Droupadi Murmu views the artwork at Jagdalpur’s Lalbagh ground during her Bastar Dussehra visit, with the Golden Book of World Records certifying the creation.
Key Highlights
- Rangoli covering 20,700 square feet created using more than 15 varieties of forest produce and grain.
- Forest Department commissions the artwork for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit.
- President’s portrait forms the centrepiece, surrounded by motifs reflecting Bastar’s heritage.
- Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai join the President in viewing the creation.
- Golden Book of World Records certifies the artwork, according to the official release.
- Presentation highlights forest-based livelihoods, traditional knowledge and sustainable use of local resources.
Raipur: Bastar’s forest produce and grains have become the medium for a monumental artistic tribute, with a 20,700-square-foot rangoli at Lalbagh ground in Jagdalpur earning certification from the Golden Book of World Records, according to an official release. President Droupadi Murmu viewed the creation on Friday, 23 October 2026, during her visit for Bastar Dussehra, accompanied by Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and other guests.
Earth Becomes a Canvas, Forest Produce Supplies the Colours
A large section of Lalbagh ground was transformed into an expansive canvas for the artwork commissioned by the Forest Department.
More than 15 varieties of forest produce and grain were used to create its intricate forms. Materials collected by forest-dwelling communities served as the colours, bringing the region’s natural resources into a distinctive artistic composition.
At its centre was a portrait of President Murmu, surrounded by imagery representing Bastar’s forests, wildlife, tribal traditions and cultural identity. The aerial photographs reveal the scale of the work and the detailed arrangement of its individual motifs.
Golden Book of World Records Certifies Creation
The Golden Book of World Records certified the rangoli in recognition of its distinctive use of forest produce and its expansive scale, the release stated.
The presentation combined a tribute to the President with a celebration of Bastar’s natural wealth and the creativity of its local communities. Its materials were integral to its message, connecting the artwork with the landscape and livelihoods it represented.
Presidential Visit Adds Significance to Bastar Dussehra
President Murmu arrived in Jagdalpur on 23 October during her two-day visit to Chhattisgarh. According to the release, the occasion marked the first visit by a serving President to Bastar during the Dussehra celebrations.
After seeking the blessings of Maa Danteshwari, she participated in the Muria Darbar before proceeding to Lalbagh ground to address a gathering.
The artwork formed part of the arrangements for her visit, presenting Bastar’s rich tribal heritage, distinctive cultural traditions, natural resources and development journey before the President.
A Cultural Portrait of a Changing Bastar
Through the rangoli, the Forest Department sought to portray Bastar’s changing circumstances and aspirations for development, alongside its enduring cultural identity.
The composition brought together forest life, tribal culture and regional heritage within a single visual narrative. The President’s portrait served as the focal point of this expression of welcome and respect.
The presentation also reflected the relationship between Bastar’s communities and their surroundings, placing locally collected materials at the heart of the artwork.
Forest Produce Connects Livelihoods and Identity
Forest produce is closely associated with the livelihoods, economic self-reliance and cultural identity of Bastar’s tribal and forest-dwelling communities.
The rangoli highlighted this connection by transforming familiar local resources into a large public artwork. It symbolised the communities’ creativity and traditional knowledge while drawing attention to the importance of forest-based livelihoods.
The presentation further underlined opportunities for inclusive development through the promotion of forest-produce-based employment, preservation of traditional knowledge and sustainable use of local resources.
Tradition and Development Share the Canvas
Bastar Dussehra is distinguished by its tribal beliefs, unique customs and extensive community participation.
Created for this cultural occasion, the rangoli brought together the preservation of natural and cultural heritage with aspirations for development. Its scale offered a striking setting for presenting Bastar’s identity during the presidential visit.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, MP Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, other public representatives and prominent citizens were present during the President’s visit programme.
Aerial footage showcases the 20,700-square-foot rangoli created using more than 15 varieties of forest produce and grain at Lalbagh ground in Jagdalpur for President Droupadi Murmu’s visit on Friday, 23 October 2026, celebrating Bastar’s tribal heritage, natural wealth and artistic traditions.Video:channel24india.com via CG/DPR
