Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai's invitation, President accepts invitation to attend Bastar Dussehra Muria Darbar

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai's invitation, President accepts invitation to attend Bastar Dussehra Muria Darbar 23 October will see the Muria Darbar organized in Jagdalpur President's presence will bring national honour to Bastar's rich tribal culture and glorious traditions Raipur. Chhattisgarh's rich tribal culture, folk traditions and glorious heritage symbolised by Bastar Dussehra Muria Darbar will see the country's President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu attending. On the invitation of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, President Mrs. Murmu accepted the invitation to attend the Muria Darbar to be held on 23 October 2026 in Jagdalpur. President Mrs. Murmu was presented the invitation letter by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai in the presence of Union Minister Shri Tokhan Sahu, Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal, Bastar Lok Sabha MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap and Secretary of Culture and Tourism Department Dr. S. Bhartidasan. President's presence is a moment of pride for Bastar's cultural heritage. Dedicated to Mother Danteshwari, Bastar Dussehra holds a unique identity across the country for its distinct tribal traditions, folk faith and community participation. President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu had described Bastar Dussehra as a unique example of tribal culture and brotherhood during the Bastar Pandum held in Jagdalpur in February 2026. She also emphasized the need to preserve Bastar's ancient traditions and culture while moving forward on the path of development. In this context, the President's proposed presence at the Bastar Dussehra Muria Darbar will be a special moment of pride for Bastar's cultural identity, tribal traditions and folk heritage. Muria Darbar is a vibrant social tradition of Bastar. The Muria Darbar holds special importance in Bastar Dussehra traditions. It is a lively expression of Bastar's social and community arrangement. Through the Muria Darbar, the tradition of dialogue between Bastar's traditions, representatives, social leaders and the local community is promoted. Traditional roles such as Manjhi and Chalaki have played an important role in Bastar's culture and social life. President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu mentioned the important role of Manjhi and Chalaki in preserving social life and cultural values during her meeting with the Bastar delegation in July 2026. Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agarwal said that Bastar Dussehra is a glorious cultural tradition of Chhattisgarh, recognized not only in the state but also across the country and the world. The President's presence at the Muria Darbar is a great honour for Bastar's tribal culture and traditions. He said that Bastar's culture is deeply linked with the people's life, folk faith, art, traditions and nature. President Mrs. Murmu's presence will give Bastar's rich cultural heritage national and wider recognition. The state government aims to preserve Bastar's traditions and cultural heritage while expanding tourism to create employment and economic opportunities for local communities. Shri Agarwal said that Bastar Dussehra is a vivid example of our cultural diversity and community participation. Welcoming the President at the Muria Darbar on 23 October will be a moment of pride for the whole of Bastar and Chhattisgarh. President's special connection with Bastar's culture. The Honorable President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu has a special connection with Bastar's culture and tribal heritage. In February 2026 she inaugurated the Bastar Pandum in Jagdalpur. In her address she highlighted Bastar's ancient culture, natural beauty, waterfalls and caves as important from a tourism perspective. She also said that preserving Bastar's rich heritage while advancing modern development is essential. During a meeting with the Bastar delegation in July 2026 the President again emphasized preserving and enhancing Bastar's cultural identity and the importance of tribal communities' participation in development.