Bastar Pandum is being discussed in the country and abroad – Kedar Kashyap
Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister inaugurated the divisional level program of Bastar Pandum
The ministers appreciated the local cuisine after visiting the stalls
Raipur/Dantewada: The state government is organizing a grand divisional level program of Bastar Pandum 2025 Yatha Bastar Ka Utsav in the high school ground of Dantewada with the aim of reviving the rich tribal art and culture heritage of Bastar and putting it on the national and global platform, as well as giving an indelible identity and due respect to the people of the local tribal community. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap inaugurated the divisional level program of Bastar Pandum. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said that on the occasion of Navratri, the government has organized the Bastar Pandum program to preserve and beautify the splendor and glorious culture of Bastar and to bring it to the global platform. Due to which people of the world will get an opportunity to know and understand the culture and tradition of Bastar. Bastar is rich in amazing cultural traditions, customs and tribal cuisine, it is a matter of good fortune to be born in this holy land. Due to not being born in this region, I have been deprived of the culture and many delicious dishes here, but today in this program I got the opportunity to experience all the tastes of Bastar. He talked about making meaningful efforts to connect people to the mainstream of development by making the government-run schemes reach the last person in Bastar.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said that Bastar Pandum is being discussed in the country and abroad. People are eager to understand the culture of Bastar. Along with this, an initiative is being taken to save the rich culture of Bastar region which is endangered, such as local cuisine, costumes and jewellery. In this program, a wonderful exhibition has been put up by the participants from the districts of the entire division. Describing the Falgun Mandi of Dantewada and the Bastar Dussehra organized in Bastar as a symbol of social harmony, he said that the people of the society are promoting this tradition. In our Bastar region, Pandum is celebrated from birth to death. Our tradition, customs play an important role in giving the message of this rich cultural heritage. MLA Chaitram Atami, District Panchayat President Nandlal Mudami also addressed the program. Director of Culture Department Vivek Acharya gave information about the outline of the program. At the beginning of the program, both the ministers visited the tribal art stalls in the exhibition and played the tribal musical instruments in the exhibition and appreciated the local and tribal cuisine. On this occasion, MLA Dantewada Chaitram Atami, BJP District President Dantewada Santosh Gupta, District Panchayat President Nandlal Mudami, Municipal Council President Mrs. Payal Gupta, Women Commission Member Mrs. Ojaswi Mandavi along with other public representatives, Commissioner Doman Singh, IG Sundarraj P., Director of Culture Department Vivek Acharya, DIG Kamalochan Kashyap, Collector Mayank Chaturvedi, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, CEO Jayant Nahata and other dignitaries were present.
On this occasion, a grand Bastar Pandum was organized along with a colorful cultural program. It is noteworthy that seven genres have been included under Bastar Pandum 2025. In which the competition has been organized among the winners of the seven districts of the division. In this program, tribal dances included Gedi, Gaur-Madia, Kakasad, Mandri, Hulkipaata, Parab and tribal songs under folk song series – Chautparab, Leja, Jagargeet, Dhankul, Hulkipaata (customs, festivals, marriage system and naming ceremony etc.) Bhatra drama in tribal drama category which were evaluated on the basis of parameters of rhythm and beat, music art, musical instruments, costumes, originality, folk tune, musical instruments, traditionalism, acting, subject matter, screenplay, dialogue, plot. Apart from this, Dhankul, Dhol, Chitkul, Todi, Akum, Jhaab, Mandar, Mridang, Biriya Dhol, Sarangi, Gudum, Mohri, Sulung, Mundabaja, Chikara were included under the display of tribal musical instruments. Which were given marks on the basis of composition, proficiency, type, antiquity. In the tribal costumes and jewellery display category, importance was given to uniformity, attractiveness, makeup, mythology in jewellery like Lurki, Kardhan, Sutiya, Pairi, Bahunta, Bichhiya, Ainthi, Bandha, Phuli, Dhamel, Nangmori, Khochni, Mundri, Surra, Suta, Pata, Putri, Nakbesar. Under the tribal crafts and painting display category, presentations were made on Ghadwa, clay art, wood, Dhokra, iron stone, tattoo, wall painting, Sheeshal, Cowri craft, bamboo comb, Giki (mat), grass grain garland. Also, display of tribal beverages and dishes- recipe of Sulfi, Toddy, Chhindras, Landa, Kosara, Jondhra and Madia Pej, Chapra Chutney, Suksi Pudga, Machhari Pudga, Machhari Jhor, Amat Saag, Tikhur, Bobo etc., presentation of local spices, taste, types are the main attractions of Bastar Pandum 2025.