President Droupadi Murmu was left spellbound during her visit to the Bastar Pandum inauguration in Chhattisgarh, where she immersed herself in a stunning showcase of indigenous crafts and traditions. The exhibition, rooted in the region’s ancient tribal heritage, featured an array of handcrafted items that captured the essence of Bastar’s soil and its people’s timeless artistry.
Walking through the stalls with keen interest, the President engaged deeply with local artisans, inquiring about the intricate techniques behind each piece. From the mesmerizing Dhokra metal castings to terracotta figurines and bamboo weaves, every display highlighted the skill and cultural depth of Bastar’s tribes.
‘Bastar Pandum is a powerful platform to preserve and promote our tribal legacy to the world,’ Murmu declared, praising the event’s role in globalizing these traditions. She meticulously examined wood carvings depicting deities and rural life, wrought iron sculptures, and vibrant tribal jewelry made from silver, beads, and shells.
The Dhokra art, employing the lost-wax casting method, stood out with its nature-inspired motifs. Artisans use local clay, wax, brass, and traditional kilns to create fully handmade masterpieces that reflect ancient tribal metalworking prowess.
Terracotta displays brought to life folk beliefs and village scenes, while wood carvings in teak, mahogany, and sal wood showcased religious icons carved with precision using age-old tools. Sisal crafts from jute added texture, and bamboo items served both utility and decoration.
Tribal attire from communities like Dandami Maria, Abujhmaria, Muria, Bhatra, and Halba was modeled by youths, complemented by stalls of traditional foods such as Jondhra laddoos, Mandia pej, Chhappada chutney, and beverages like Landa and Salphi.
Tumba instruments from dried gourds and folk paintings narrating Bastar’s history rounded off the experience. Murmu’s visit not only celebrated these arts but also underscored their vital place in India’s cultural mosaic, inspiring preservation efforts.