Bastar Dussehra is a living symbol of social harmony, collective faith and democratic values: President Droupadi Murmu
Bastar, now free from Maoism, must focus on reconstruction and development: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Monthly honorarium increased to ₹5,000 for Manjhis and ₹3,500 for Chhalkis
Raipur, October 2026: President Droupadi Murmu attended the world-famous Bastar Dussehra festival in Jagdalpur, the sacred land of Bastar's revered deity, Maa Danteshwari. Praising the festival's distinctive religious and cultural traditions, she described Bastar Dussehra as a living symbol of Chhattisgarh's cultural pride, collective faith, social harmony and tribal heritage.
The President said the unique festival, which continues for approximately 75 days, brings different communities together and serves as an outstanding example of preserving traditions passed down through generations.
Paying her respects to Maa Danteshwari, President Murmu said she was delighted to participate in the globally renowned celebration. She noted that one of the festival's most distinctive features was the active participation of different clans, communities and sections of society. From constructing the ceremonial chariot to pulling it, performing worship and conducting various rituals, every community fulfils its traditional responsibilities. This collective participation, she said, exemplifies social unity, mutual cooperation and cultural continuity.
Muria Darbar an Excellent Example of Democratic Traditions: President
President Murmu described the Muria Darbar, organised as part of Bastar Dussehra, as an excellent example of grassroots democracy. She said representatives from different sections of society come together to discuss public grievances, community needs and social issues. Solutions reached through collective dialogue help promote community welfare and mutual cooperation.
Such traditions, she said, strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy and reinforce democratic values.
The President recalled meeting a delegation from Bastar at Rashtrapati Bhavan around two months earlier. The delegation included winners of Bastar Pandum, along with Bastar's Pargana Manjhis and Chhalkis. She said events such as Bastar Pandum play an important role in connecting tribal youth with their culture, customs and traditions.
Providing Opportunities to Tribal Talent Is Essential
President Murmu said tribal communities possessed immense talent and potential. With appropriate opportunities, encouragement and resources, tribal boys and girls could bring honour to the country in every field.
Appreciating the enthusiastic participation of tribal youth in the Bastar Olympics, she said providing talented sportspersons with the right platform could enable young people from Bastar to establish themselves internationally and win medals at prestigious events such as the Olympic Games.
The President also referred to the positive changes taking place in Chhattisgarh in addressing Naxalism and strengthening security and development. She appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments, observing that the region was moving towards progress after enduring the impact of Naxalism.
She expressed confidence that the youth and tribal communities of Bastar would make significant contributions to India's development through their talent, hard work and participation.
Bastar's Heritage Rooted in the Cultural Memories of Dandakaranya
Highlighting Bastar's historical and religious significance, President Murmu said the region was associated with Dandakaranya in the Ramayana. Several episodes connected with Lord Shri Ram's exile are deeply embedded in the area's cultural memory.
Referring to Mata Shabari, she said the cultural heritage of tribal communities was an integral part of India's broader traditions.
She urged people to draw inspiration from Lord Shri Ram's ideals, Mata Sita's purity and Mata Shabari's devotion, and to uphold morality, dignity and human values in their lives. Preserving Bastar's cultural heritage, she said, was the responsibility of every citizen.
Nature Conservation Integral to Tribal Philosophy of Life
The President praised the tribal tradition of worshipping nature, noting that respect for trees, forests and natural resources was a distinctive feature of tribal identity.
In tribal traditions, trees and plants are regarded not merely as resources but as life-giving entities. Nature provides oxygen, water, fruits, flowers, food and medicines; therefore, worshipping nature must go hand in hand with its protection and conservation.
She described forests, hills and natural resources as invaluable assets. Their use should be guided by need, accompanied by a responsibility to conserve them and compensate for any loss. Since a tree takes several decades to mature, protecting forests and undertaking large-scale plantation are essential for future generations.
The President called upon all citizens, particularly members of tribal communities, to plant more trees and help keep forests green.
She also observed that new development opportunities were emerging in Chhattisgarh. Efforts to connect tribal entrepreneurs with financial facilities and markets were important steps towards inclusive growth. She expressed confidence that ensuring equal opportunities for all sections of society would strengthen tribal participation in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Referring to traditional rituals associated with Bastar Dussehra, the President highlighted the farewell to village deities through the Kutumb Jatra and the ceremonial farewell to the palanquins of Maa Danteshwari and Devi Mawli scheduled for October 27. These rituals, she said, reflected the festival's distinctive religious and cultural traditions.
She prayed to Maa Danteshwari for a bright future for the people of Bastar and for the progress and overall development of Chhattisgarh.
Bastar Dussehra Teaches the Importance of Collective Participation
Governor Ramen Deka extended greetings on Bastar Dussehra and Vijayadashami, observing that India was the world's largest democracy and that democratic values were deeply embedded in its civilisation and cultural ethos.
He said collective participation was an integral part of tribal life. Social decisions in villages were taken through discussions, while listening to elders and respecting every individual's voice were longstanding community traditions.
The Governor said Bastar Dussehra, beyond its grandeur, taught society the importance of moving forward together. From bringing timber for the ceremonial chariot to its construction and operation, people from different villages and communities fulfil their designated responsibilities.
The tradition has continued even after the end of royal rule and has evolved into a strong platform for democratic dialogue.
He said Bastar Dussehra and the Muria Darbar conveyed the message that dialogue was the path to solutions. When the administration and society sit together to discuss issues, even difficult problems can be resolved. He appreciated the contributions of Manjhis, village heads, priests, artisans, chariot builders, artists and local administration officials whose collective effort and devotion had kept this world-famous tradition alive across generations.
Bastar Moving Towards Reconstruction and Development: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed President Murmu to the Bastar Dussehra celebrations in Jagdalpur, the sacred land of Maa Danteshwari. He said the President shared a deep connection with Bastar and had inaugurated Bastar Pandum in February this year. She subsequently invited the winners to Rashtrapati Bhavan and honoured them, encouraging their efforts.
Her presence at Bastar Dussehra, he said, had further boosted the enthusiasm of the people of the region.
The Chief Minister described the Muria Darbar as a beautiful expression of tribal culture and democratic traditions. He said the approximately 75-day Bastar Dussehra festival reflected the region's folk culture, while its rituals demonstrated the egalitarian values, collective participation and mutual trust embedded in tribal society.
He said this year's celebration was particularly significant because the President's presence had enhanced the festival's stature, while Bastar was moving towards reconstruction after the decline of violent Maoist activity. Initiatives such as Bastar Pandum and the Bastar Olympics were playing an important role in accelerating this transformation. Bastar Pandum, he added, was taking the region's rich tribal art, culture and traditions to audiences across India and abroad.
Sai said the state government had prepared a clear roadmap for Bastar's prosperity and development. Under the Niyad Nellanar scheme, government programmes were being extended to remote areas. Work was also underway to connect interior settlements through roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and PM-JANMAN scheme.
In areas where roads had already been built, efforts were being made to expand transport services through the Chief Minister's Rural Bus Scheme.
The Chief Minister said a new rail service had been launched from Raipur to Rawghat, while work on the Rawghat-Jagdalpur railway line was continuing. A significant stretch of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway passes through the Bastar region.
Special provisions had also been introduced to promote tourism through homestays. Van Dhan Kendras were helping forest produce collectors obtain fair prices for their produce.
He further stated that a super-speciality hospital had begun operating in Jagdalpur, while a medical college in Geedam had commenced functioning in the current academic session. Education cities were also being developed in Orchha and Jagargunda.
Sai expressed confidence that the President's guidance and blessings would strengthen efforts to make Bastar one of the country's leading administrative divisions and fulfil the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh.
Monthly Honorarium Increased for Traditional Representatives
Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal paid his respects to Maa Danteshwari, Maa Mawli and the village deities of the Bastar region before welcoming President Murmu.
He said Bastar Dussehra had a distinct identity because of its duration, unique traditions, faith and extensive public participation. The festival, which lasts approximately 75 days, was not merely a religious event but a living expression of Bastar's cultural identity.
Agrawal said that under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's leadership, the state government had taken important steps to recognise traditional representatives and strengthen their economic position.
The monthly honorarium for Manjhis has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, while the honorarium for Chhalkis has been raised from ₹1,500 to ₹3,500.
He said the decision reflected the government's respect and gratitude for the contribution of traditional representatives who help preserve Bastar's cultural heritage.
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 Chairman Mahesh Kashyap; Kanker MP Bhojraj Nag; Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo; Kondagaon MLA Lata Usendi; and Mayor Sanjay Pandey were among those present.
Chief Minister's Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police B.N. Meena, Collector Akash Chhikara, Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, traditional Manjhis and Chhalkis, community representatives, Naiks and Paiks, members of the Bastar Dussehra Committee and a large number of distinguished citizens also attended the event.
