Jagdalpur: President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh today, Friday, October 23. Extensive preparations have been made in Jagdalpur for her arrival. During her visit, the President will first offer prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple. Following this, she will attend the historic ‘Muria Darbar’ held at the Sirhasar Bhavan. Additionally, she will participate in a public event associated with ‘Bastar Dussehra’ at the Lalbagh Ground and address a public gathering.
This visit by the President is considered significant in the context of Bastar’s religious faith, tribal culture, and historical traditions. The President’s Secretariat has officially confirmed her participation in the Muria Darbar and the Bastar Dussehra event on October 23.
Offering prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple
According to the scheduled itinerary, President Droupadi Murmu will arrive in Jagdalpur in the morning—tentatively around 10:30 AM. At 11:00 AM, she will visit the Maa Danteshwari Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Maa Danteshwari is revered as the presiding deity of the Bastar region and holds a special place in its religious and cultural traditions. Many key rituals of Bastar Dussehra are intrinsically linked to the worship of Maa Danteshwari; this is precisely why Bastar Dussehra stands apart from other Dussehra celebrations across the country, possessing a unique identity.
Interacting with tribal representatives at the historic ‘Muria Darbar’
After her visit to the temple, the President will attend the historic ‘Muria Darbar’ at the Sirhasar Bhavan. Here, she is scheduled to interact with Manjhis, Chalkis, and other tribal representatives who are part of Bastar’s traditional administrative system.
The ‘Muria Darbar’ is one of the most significant traditions of Bastar Dussehra. It brings together traditional representatives from various areas and members of diverse tribal communities. This platform also provides an opportunity to highlight the issues, community concerns, and traditions of the local society.
The President’s presence is expected to bring national-level recognition to this unique tradition and the tribal heritage of Bastar.
To participate in the Bastar Dussehra event at Lalbagh Ground
Around 12:45 PM, the President will attend a public event organized on the occasion of the ‘Muria Darbar’ and Bastar Dussehra. The program, held at Lalbagh Ground, will showcase the cultural heritage and traditional identity of Bastar.
The President is also scheduled to visit the Bastar Dussehra exhibition, which will offer a glimpse into the region’s art, culture, and historical traditions. Following this, the President will address a public gathering. Elected representatives, administrative officials, and the general public are expected to attend the event.
Bastar Dussehra is renowned for its long duration and unique traditions. The festival features various religious rituals and sees the participation of a large number of tribal communities.
Tight security arrangements for the President’s visit
In view of the President’s visit to Jagdalpur, the district administration and security agencies have made extensive arrangements. Security measures have been strengthened across key locations, including Jagdalpur Airport, the Maa Danteshwari Temple, Sirhasar Bhavan, and Lalbagh Ground.
Special attention is being given to entry protocols and crowd management, with security personnel deployed at the event venues. According to local administrative sources, a ban on drone flights has been imposed in sensitive areas, and traffic regulations have been put in place on certain major routes.
Traffic may be affected on designated routes during the movement of the President’s convoy. Citizens are urged to follow the instructions issued by the administration and plan their travel accordingly.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap reviews preparations
Ahead of the President’s visit, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap visited Lalbagh Ground to inspect the preparations for the event. During this process, arrangements concerning the stage, seating, security, traffic management, and facilities for the general public were reviewed.
Officials have been instructed to complete all necessary preparations on time, ensuring that the event proceeds in an organized manner and that attendees do not face any unnecessary inconvenience.
A National Platform for Bastar’s Tribal Culture
President Droupadi Murmu’s participation in the Bastar Dussehra and the Muria Darbar is considered significant for the region’s cultural heritage. Bastar Dussehra is not merely a religious festival; it is a symbol of the region’s historical traditions, community participation, and tribal identity.
This visit by the President is expected to bring national prominence to Bastar’s rich culture, traditional systems, and the heritage of its tribal communities.
