Bastar : The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is scheduled to visit Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district today, Saturday, on a one-day tour. During the visit, she will inaugurate the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival, a major cultural event being organised by the Government of Chhattisgarh.

The President will attend a programme at Lalbagh Ground, the main venue of the festival. As part of the visit, she is expected to tour and inspect various exhibition stalls set up under Bastar Pandum, showcasing the region’s traditional handicrafts, tribal art forms, folk costumes and locally made products. She will also interact with artists and craftsmen, highlighting Bastar’s rich indigenous heritage. A meeting with distinguished guests and a group photograph session are also planned at the venue.

Following this, the President will participate in the main ceremonial programme, during which the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival will be formally inaugurated. The ceremony will begin with the National Anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp to mark the official opening of the event.

The programme will include a welcome address by the State Minister for Culture, the felicitation of dignitaries present on the dais, and the screening of a short film highlighting the significance and cultural roots of Bastar Pandum.

Cultural performances will be a key highlight of the event, with traditional tribal dances, folk songs and performances using indigenous musical instruments, reflecting the vibrant cultural traditions of the Bastar region.

On the occasion, the Governor of Chhattisgarh and the Chief Minister will also address the gathering. The programme will conclude with the address of President Droupadi Murmu.

After completing the day’s engagements, the President will depart from Jagdalpur for New Delhi via Raipur.