Glimpse of Tribal Life Seen in Bastar Pandum, Union Home Minister Mesmerized After Seeing Exhibition
Bastar Pandum Becomes Unique Identity of Tribal Culture, Winners Honored
On the occasion of the conclusion of the Divisional Level Bastar Pandum 2026, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah reviewed the exhibition based on tribal traditions and culture organized at Lalbagh Maidan. He visited various stalls and gathered information about the products, handicrafts, and arts used in the life of the tribal community.
The Union Home Minister lauded the exhibition based on Dhokra craft, terracotta, wood carving, sisal art, bamboo and iron craft, tribal costumes and jewelry, tumbha art, tribal painting, forest medicine, local cuisine, and folk paintings. He said that Bastar’s culture is a living form of India’s soul.
Traditional costumes and jewelry of the Dandami Maria, Abujhmaria, Muria, Bhatra, and Halba tribes were displayed in the exhibition. A vivid glimpse of tribal life, nature, and traditions was presented through tribal paintings. Furthermore, a live demonstration of forest medicines was also presented by Vaidyaraj.
Traditional dishes like Jondhri Lai Laddu, Mandia Pej, Aamt, Chapda Chutney, Kulthi Dal, Pan Bobo, Tikhur, and beverages like Landa and Saffi were displayed at the local cuisine stall.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said, “Bastar Pandum is a strong medium for preserving tribal culture and passing it on to the next generation. The state government is continuously working for the conservation of tribal art, crafts, and traditions.”
On this occasion, the Union Home Minister met and congratulated the winning teams of the twelve categories of Bastar Pandum competition. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev, and other public representatives were present at the event.
“Bastar Pandum 2026” Divisional Level Competition Winners
1. Tribal Dance – Gaur Maria Dance (Budhram Sodhi, Dantewada)
2. Tribal Song – Palnar Dal (Mangli and companions, Dantewada)
3. Tribal Drama – Lekham Lakha (Sukma)
4. Tribal Musical Instrument – Rajau Mandadi and companions (Kondagaon)
5. Tribal Costume – Gunjan Nag (Sukma)
6. Tribal Jewelry – Sudni Dugga (Narayanpur)
7. Tribal Craft – Omprakash Gawde (Koya Arts, Kanker)
8. Tribal Painting – Deepak Jurri (Kanker)
9. Tribal Beverage – Bhairam Baba Group (Urmila Pradhan, Bijapur)
10. Tribal Cuisine – Shrimati Tarabati (Dantewada)
11. Regional Literature – Uttam Naik (Kondagaon)
12. Bastar Forest Medicine – Rajdev Baghel (Bastar)