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Raipur, April 5, 2025 – The grand closing ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2025, a celebration of tribal traditions, folk art, and cultural heritage, was held today in Dantewada. The event marked a historic moment for the region and witnessed the participation of thousands of artists and dignitaries.Bastar Pandum to Become a National FestivalIn his address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that from next year, Bastar Pandum will be celebrated as a national festival. Artists from tribal districts across the country will be invited to participate, giving Bastar’s rich culture a platform on the global stage.He paid tribute to tribal deities and remembered Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo for his sacrifice in protecting water, forests, land, and culture. He also honored freedom fighter and symbol of social justice, Babu Jagjivan Ram, on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his life-long struggle for the rights of Dalits, backward classes, and tribal communities.Massive Participation and Expansion PlansA total of 47,000 artists from 1,850 gram panchayats, 12 nagar panchayats, 8 municipal councils, and 1 municipality participated in Bastar Pandum. The festival, held from March 12 to April 5, featured competitions in 7 categories this year and will expand to 12 categories next year.Preserving Tribal Language, Music, and TraditionsShah emphasized that Bastar’s dialects, musical instruments, devotional songs, and traditions are not just a treasure of Chhattisgarh but of the entire nation. He called for collective efforts to preserve them for future generations.New Development Initiative: ₹1 Crore for Naxal-Free VillagesIn a major announcement, Shah declared that villages aiding in the surrender of Naxals will be declared “Naxal-Free Villages” and awarded ₹1 crore for development. He urged villagers to convene gram sabhas and assist in the surrender process.Direct Purchase of Tendu Leaves at ₹5,500 Per Standard BagTo eliminate middlemen, Shah announced that the government will directly purchase tendu leaves at ₹5,500 per standard bag, with payments made directly to tribal bank accounts. This, he said, would break the economic control of Naxals.Rehabilitation for Surrendered NaxalsThe Home Minister assured that Naxals who surrender will be given protection, respect, and a chance to reintegrate into the mainstream. However, those who refuse to surrender will face strict action from security forces.Basic Amenities for Every VillageShah outlined plans to ensure that every village has access to schools, health clinics, Aadhaar and ration cards, and health insurance facilities – part of a comprehensive development strategy.’Vocal for Local’: Global Markets for Bastar’s CraftsUnder the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, Shah announced efforts to promote Bastar’s bell metal, terracotta, wooden crafts, Godna art, and paintings in national and international markets, including Delhi.
National Recognition for Tribal HeroesHe noted that the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda has been declared Tribal Pride Day and celebrated the historic elevation of Smt. Droupadi Murmu as India’s first tribal woman President as a symbol of respect toward tribal communities.Milestones of the Modi GovernmentShah highlighted achievements of the Modi government: over 4 crore homes built, 11 crore LPG connections, toilets in 12 crore homes, piped water in 15 crore homes, and free ration and health insurance for 70 crore people.
Bastar’s New Dream: From Rebels to Leaders“True development will be when Bastar produces doctors, collectors, barristers, and officers,” Shah said. He called upon the youth to leave behind weapons and embrace the power of education, technology, and progress.–
