Overview
- On Feb 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Feb 7–9 Bastar Pandum in a post on X, saying the region is now identified with development and rising local self-confidence rather than Maoist violence.
- Organisers said more than 700 artists from 84 teams took part across twelve cultural disciplines, including traditional dances, indigenous instruments, handicrafts and tribal cuisine.
- President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the festival in Jagdalpur on Feb 7 and said decisive central action against Maoist violence has helped dismantle an atmosphere of fear.
- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai credited coordinated Central–State efforts with expanding roads, education, healthcare, communication and livelihood opportunities, and pledged to preserve tribal traditions.
- Reporting framed Bastar Pandum as a platform to promote tribal heritage, tourism and community empowerment in a region long affected by left-wing extremism.