State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 07 Apr 2025

Bastar Pandum Programme

Why in News? 

• The Union Home Minister addressed the Bastar Pandum festival in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, celebrating tribal heritage while highlighting ongoing efforts to eradicate Naxalism and ensure holistic development of the region.  

Key Points 

• Cultural Recognition and Bastar Pandum: 
  • The Bastar area of Chhattisgarh is known for its tribal culture, tradition, customs and diverse tribal cuisine.  
    • Bastar Pandum is being organized to revive this rich tribal art and culture of Bastar and bring it in front of the country and abroad. 
  • Under this three-day program, competitions were organized in seven disciplines including tribal dance, folk song, tribal drama, musical instruments, costumes, jewelry, crafts and cuisine. 
    • It will be celebrated in twelve categories next year, and tribal people from across the country will participate. 
• Fight Against Naxalism: The address highlighted: 
  • Government Target: Naxalism-free India by March 2026. 
  • Village Incentive Scheme: Villages declared Naxal-free will receive Rs. 1 crore as development fund.  
• Governance & Development Initiatives: 
  • Promotion of Tribal Identity and History: GI Tagging and "Vocal for Local" initiative for tribal products. 
  • National Recognition of Tribal Freedom Fighters: 
    • Honouring Veer Gundadhur of Bastar 
    • Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary declared as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas 
    • The 150^th anniversary year as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsha was celebrated on 15 November 2024.