Bastanar Youth Showcase Mesmerising Folk Hues with ‘Gaur Dance’ Before the President

Raipur, February 2026 : Saturday was etched as an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bastar when the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, witnessed the living and vibrant expression of Bastar’s ancient culture at the inauguration of the divisional-level ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival. On this dignified occasion, tribal youth from the Bastanar region presented the world-famous ‘Gaur Dance’, filling the entire venue with the resonant beats of drums and the rhythmic chime of anklets. The President watched the captivating performance with deep attention, experiencing up close the rich and enduring cultural heritage of Bastar.

The dance performed by the youth of Bastanar was not merely a cultural display, but a vivid and living document of the traditions, worldview, and cultural consciousness of the Dandami Maria (Bison Horn Maria) tribe. As the dance troupe stepped onto the stage, their distinctive attire immediately drew the attention of the audience. The male dancers wore striking headgear adorned with bison horns, embellished with cowries and peacock feathers, symbolically expressing the deep respect and reverence of the tribal community for forest life and the majestic gaur (bison).

Meanwhile, the female dancers, dressed in traditional sarees and ornaments, held ‘tirududi’ (iron rods) in their hands and struck them rhythmically against the ground. The resulting deep, echoing, and synchronized sound created a spellbinding atmosphere, leaving the audience enthralled.

During the performance, the male dancers played the heavy ‘mandari’ (traditional drum) slung around their necks, while powerfully imitating the aggressive, agile, and energetic movements of the wild bison. The scene transported spectators into the heart of the forest, making them feel as though they were witnessing nature in its raw and living form. The dance, filled with joy and exuberance, vividly reflected the hunting traditions, courage, and indomitable spirit of the Maria tribe.

The young men dancing in circular formations, joined seamlessly by the women moving in perfect harmony, demonstrated that even in an age of rapid modernization, Bastar has preserved its cultural roots with unwavering devotion and pride.

Presented in the august presence of President Droupadi Murmu, this powerful and emotionally rich performance by the artists of Bastanar not only symbolized the grand success of Bastar Pandum, but also strongly reaffirmed Bastar’s folk arts, tribal traditions, and cultural splendor on the national stage.