Bastar Pandum Will Prove to be a Milestone in Establishing Peace in Bastar: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Opportunity to Closely Know and Understand the Real Life of Bastar
Bastar Pandum 2025: A Grand Celebration of Folk Culture and Traditions
Bastar Pandum is a Unique Initiative to Preserve the Cultural Heritage of Bastar
Raipur, March 12, 2025/ The people of Bastar live every moment of life like a festival and have a rich cultural heritage to express their happiness. We are rapidly taking steps to establish peace in Bastar, and through Bastar Pandum, we will not only preserve the folk life and folk culture of Bastar but also participate in their festive spirit. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said these things today while unveiling the logo of Bastar Pandum 2025 in the committee room of the Vidhan Sabha complex, in the presence of artists dancing to the beat of the Maandar. While extending his best wishes for the successful organization of Bastar Pandum, he said that this event will not only pass on the cultural heritage to the new generation but also provide a strong platform to the talented artists of Bastar. On this occasion, the Chief Minister released the booklet of Bastar Pandum.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that after our government was formed, the development of Bastar and connecting the people there with the mainstream has been among our top priorities. We have rapidly taken steps to free Bastar from Maoism. He said that the people of Bastar have actively participated in the Bastar Olympics and the recently organized Abujhmad Peace Half Marathon. This shows that the trust of the people of Bastar has continuously increased towards the government and they want peace and harmony in the region.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that we have also taken a big decision to open a hospital in Purvati village, which has been affected by Naxalite violence, in the budget. Through the Niyad Nella Nar scheme, we are rapidly fulfilling the basic needs of the people of Bastar.
The Chief Minister said that the people of Bastar are known for their simplicity and celebrate every occasion in their own special way. The real life of Bastar can be seen more closely through Bastar Pandum. He said that competitions in various 7 disciplines including dance, song, folk art, folk culture, drama, craft, customs, traditions and cuisine will be organized in Bastar Pandum. Shri Sai said that there should be prosperity in Bastar, people should live fearlessly in their own style and they should get the benefit of all the facilities of the government.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, MLA Shri Kiran Dev, MLA Ms. Lata Usendi, MLA Shri Vinayak Goyal, Secretary of Culture Department Shri Anbalagan P. and Director of Culture Shri Vivek Acharya were present.
Logo of Bastar Pandum Reflecting the Identity of Bastar
The logo of Bastar Pandum vividly displays the folk life of Bastar and is deeply connected to their cultural identity. An attempt has been made to show the heritage of Bastar in a very artistic way in this. “Bastar Pandum” is a Gondi word which means festival of Bastar. The symbol includes the lifeline of Bastar, the Indravati River, Chitrakoot Waterfall, the state animal of Chhattisgarh, Wild Buffalo, the state bird Hill Myna, Bison Horn Crown, Turhi, Drum, Salfi and Toddy Tree. Through this symbol, the simple, easy and unique Bastar full of expectations can be easily known and understood.
Event will Focus on 07 Major Disciplines including Dance and Song
Competitions related to tribal dance, song, drama, musical instruments, traditional costumes and jewellery, crafts-painting and tribal cuisine and traditional drinks will be organized in “Bastar Pandum 2025”. These competitions will be completed in three stages. Janpad level competition from 12 to 20 March, district level competition from 21 to 23 March, division level competition will be held in Dantewada from 1 to 3 April. Special prizes and certificates will be given to the participants at each level.
Events Based on Folk Life and Traditions of Bastar Will Be Major Attractions