Tokhan Sahu, Rajesh Agrawal and MP Mahesh Kashyap Meet President in New Delhi; Delegation Highlights Bastar’s Tribal Heritage and Unique Traditions
New Delhi : Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal and Bastar Lok Sabha MP Mahesh Kashyap met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi and invited her to attend the Bastar Dussehra celebrations.
The delegation briefed the President on the festival’s distinctive traditions, tribal cultural heritage and its significance in the social and cultural life of Bastar. The invitation comes as preparations for the annual festival are underway across the Bastar region.
President Murmu responded positively to the invitation and said that she would “certainly try” to attend the celebrations.
Delegation Highlights Bastar’s Cultural Heritage
The delegation included S. Bhartidasan, Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Chhattisgarh, along with Minister Rajesh Agrawal and MP Mahesh Kashyap.
During the meeting, the representatives highlighted the distinctive character of Bastar Dussehra and its deep links with the region’s tribal traditions, folk beliefs and community participation.
The festival is known for its distinctive rituals and extended duration. Unlike the conventional Dussehra celebrations associated with the burning of Ravana effigies, Bastar Dussehra is rooted in local traditions and devotion associated with Maa Danteshwari. Reports on the 2026 celebrations describe the festival as an approximately 75-day cultural tradition.
Invitation Comes Ahead of Major Bastar Dussehra Events
The invitation was extended as preparations for Bastar Dussehra continue in Jagdalpur and other parts of the Bastar region.
Recent reports have also stated that President Murmu has accepted an invitation to attend the Muria Darbar in Jagdalpur on October 23, 2026, as part of the Bastar Dussehra programme. The invitation from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was reportedly conveyed in the presence of Tokhan Sahu, Rajesh Agrawal, Mahesh Kashyap and S. Bhartidasan.
Her possible participation would come after her earlier engagement with Bastar’s cultural traditions. In February 2026, President Murmu inaugurated Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur, where she spoke about the region’s cultural traditions and way of life.
Tokhan Sahu Highlights Significance of Bastar Dussehra
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu described Bastar Dussehra as a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal culture, folk faith and centuries-old traditions.
He said the festival’s distinctive customs and unusually long format have given it a special identity beyond the region.
Preparations for this year’s celebrations are continuing in Bastar, with organisers and local authorities working to conduct the traditional events with community participation and due cultural significance.
The President’s invitation has brought additional attention to the festival, which remains one of the prominent expressions of Bastar’s indigenous cultural heritage.
