Overview
- The three-day festival runs February 7–9 at Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur, presenting 12 cultural disciplines spanning dance, music, theatre, crafts and indigenous paintings.
- In her address, President Droupadi Murmu said decisive government action had ended fear in Bastar, noted numerous Maoist surrenders and urged trust in the Constitution and democracy.
- She pointed to rehabilitation and welfare delivery through programmes such as PM-JANMAN, the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, alongside the state’s Niyad Nellanar initiative restoring schools and basic infrastructure.
- Murmu toured a large exhibition, engaging with artisans showcasing Dhokra metalwork, terracotta, wood carving, bamboo and sisal crafts, wrought iron art, Tumba art, tribal jewellery and regional cuisine.
- Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and senior leaders attended the opening, as authorities implemented reinforced security, crowd management and logistical arrangements.