Raipur, September 28, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu has accepted the invitation of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to attend the Muria Darbar, scheduled to be held in Jagdalpur on October 23, 2026.
Officials stated today that President Droupadi Murmu will participate in the Muria Darbar of Bastar Dussehra, an event that symbolizes Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal culture, folk traditions, and glorious heritage.
Union Minister Tokhan Sahu, Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Bastar Lok Sabha MP Mahesh Kashyap, and Culture and Tourism Department Secretary Dr S Bharathidasan were present when Chief Minister Sai’s invitation letter was handed over to President Murmu.
Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, Bastar Dussehra holds a unique identity across the country for its distinctive tribal traditions, folk beliefs, and community participation.
During the Bastar Pandum festival held in Jagdalpur in February 2026, President Murmu had described Bastar Dussehra as a unique example of tribal culture and brotherhood.
She had also emphasized the need to advance on the path of development while preserving Bastar’s ancient traditions and culture.
In this context, the President’s proposed presence at the Muria Darbar of Bastar Dussehra will be an occasion of special pride for Bastar’s cultural identity, tribal traditions, and folk heritage.
The Muria Darbar holds special significance among the traditions of Bastar Dussehra. This event is a vibrant expression of Bastar’s social and community structure. Through the Muria Darbar, the tradition of dialogue between Bastar’s customs, public representatives, social heads, and the local community is carried forward.
Traditional positions such as ‘Manjhi’ and ‘Chalki’ have played a significant role in the culture and social life of Bastar. During a meeting with a delegation from Bastar in July 2026, President Murmu had also highlighted the significant roles played by the Manjhi and Chalki in preserving social life and cultural values.
Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal said that Bastar Dussehra is a glorious cultural tradition of Chhattisgarh, recognized not only within the state but also across the country and the world. The President’s presence at the Muria Darbar is a moment of immense pride for Bastar’s tribal culture and traditions.
He remarked that Bastar’s culture is deeply intertwined with the local way of life, folk beliefs, art, traditions, and nature. President Murmu’s presence will bring wider national recognition to this rich cultural heritage of Bastar. The state government aims to expand employment and economic opportunities for local communities through tourism while simultaneously preserving Bastar’s traditions and cultural heritage.
Minister Agrawal noted that Bastar Dussehra stands as a vibrant example of cultural diversity and community participation. Welcoming the President at the Muria Darbar on October 23 will be a proud moment for the entire region of Bastar and the state of Chhattisgarh.
President Murmu has shared a special bond with Bastar’s culture and tribal heritage. In February 2026, she inaugurated the ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival in Jagdalpur.
In her address, she highlighted the significance of Bastar’s ancient culture, natural beauty, waterfalls, and caves from a tourism perspective. She also emphasized the need to advance modern development while preserving Bastar’s rich heritage.
During her meeting with the Bastar delegation in July 2026, the President had also underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Bastar’s cultural identity and ensuring the participation of tribal communities in the journey of development.
