Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap discusses preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s forthcoming visit with State BJP President and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, senior administrative officials and other representatives during an inspection of the programme venue at Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, reviewing arrangements for security, seating, traffic management and public convenience ahead of the President’s scheduled visit on October 23.Photo Credit”channel24india.com via CG/DPR
President to address a public gathering at Lalbagh Ground; Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap reviews preparations, security arrangements and public facilities ahead of the high-profile visit
Key Highlights
- President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a one-day visit to Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026.
- The President will participate in the historic Muria Darbar at Sirhasar Bhawan, an important tradition associated with Bastar Dussehra.
- She will address a public gathering at Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur.
- Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap inspected the venue and reviewed preparations for the presidential visit.
- Security, traffic management, seating arrangements and public conveniences are among the major areas receiving administrative attention.
- Senior elected representatives, police officials and district administrators participated in the inspection.
Raipur: President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Jagdalpur on Friday, October 23, 2026, marking a significant occasion for Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region as she participates in the historic Muria Darbar, one of the important traditional institutions associated with the internationally recognised Bastar Dussehra celebrations. During her one-day visit, the President will attend the Muria Darbar at Sirhasar Bhawan and address a public gathering at Lalbagh Ground, where extensive administrative and security preparations are being made for the occasion.
The proposed presidential visit is particularly significant for Bastar, a region known for its distinctive tribal traditions, cultural heritage and centuries-old Dussehra celebrations. Unlike the conventional observance of Dussehra associated with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, Bastar Dussehra has its own religious and cultural identity, deeply connected with the worship of Goddess Danteshwari and the traditions of the region’s indigenous communities.
Muria Darbar Reflects Bastar’s Distinctive Cultural Heritage
The President’s participation in the Muria Darbar is expected to draw national attention to an important aspect of Bastar’s cultural heritage.
The Muria Darbar has historically served as a traditional forum bringing together representatives of tribal communities and local leadership. Its association with Bastar Dussehra reflects the region’s longstanding practices of community participation, dialogue and cultural continuity.
The gathering remains an important part of the ceremonial traditions surrounding Bastar Dussehra, which attracts devotees, community representatives and visitors from different parts of Chhattisgarh and beyond.
President Murmu’s scheduled participation provides an opportunity to highlight the cultural identity of Bastar and the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future generations.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap Reviews Arrangements at Lalbagh Ground
With preparations for the President’s visit entering their final stage, Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap visited Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur on Wednesday, October 21, to inspect the venue and review arrangements being made for the public programme.
Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap reviews preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s forthcoming visit to Jagdalpur during an inspection of Lalbagh Ground on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in the presence of Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Mayor Sanjay Pandey, Bastar Divisional Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police B. N. Meena, Collector Akash Chhikara, Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha and other officials, with particular attention to security, seating arrangements, traffic management and public facilities ahead of the presidential programme scheduled for October 23.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/DPR
During the inspection, Kashyap examined the proposed stage, seating arrangements, designated enclosures for distinguished guests and facilities being organised for members of the public.
He also reviewed security measures, traffic management and other logistical arrangements necessary for the smooth conduct of the presidential programme.
The minister directed the officials concerned to ensure that all preparations were completed within the stipulated timeframe, with particular attention to coordination among the departments responsible for managing the event.
The inspection reflected the administration’s emphasis on ensuring that the venue and associated facilities were ready before the President’s arrival.
Security, Traffic and Public Convenience Receive Special Attention
Given the importance of the presidential visit, the district administration and police authorities are coordinating arrangements concerning security, access to the venue, movement of vehicles and the convenience of citizens attending the public gathering.
The arrangements under review include designated seating areas, entry and exit management, movement around the programme venue and facilities for visitors.
The presence of senior police and administrative officials during the inspection underscored the importance of coordination between the civil administration and security agencies.
Officials have been instructed to complete the remaining arrangements within the prescribed schedule to ensure the programme proceeds smoothly.
Senior Public Representatives and Officials Join Inspection
Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo and Mayor Sanjay Pandey accompanied Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap during the inspection of Lalbagh Ground.
Bastar Divisional Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police B. N. Meena, Collector Akash Chhikara and Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha were also present, along with other officials associated with the preparations.
The inspection provided an opportunity for elected representatives and senior administrators to review the arrangements collectively and assess the progress of preparations ahead of the President’s scheduled arrival.
Presidential Visit Brings National Attention to Bastar’s Traditions
President Murmu’s forthcoming visit is expected to provide greater visibility to Bastar’s rich cultural traditions, particularly the distinctive heritage of Bastar Dussehra and the Muria Darbar.
For the region’s tribal communities, these traditions represent much more than ceremonial celebrations. They are closely associated with collective identity, customary practices, religious beliefs and the preservation of cultural heritage across generations.
The President’s participation in the Muria Darbar, followed by her address at Lalbagh Ground, will constitute the principal engagements of her scheduled one-day visit to Jagdalpur on October 23.
The visit also places Bastar’s traditional institutions and cultural practices in the national spotlight at a time when the preservation and recognition of indigenous heritage remain important subjects of public discussion.
