President Droupadi Murmu attends the programme held in Surguja district as the chief guest

Raipur, November 20

On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas -Tribal Pride Day President Mrs Droupadi Murmu attended the programme organised on Thursday at the PG College Ground in Surguja district as the chief guest.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and other dignitaries accompanied President Smt. Murmu and toured the exhibition, inspecting stalls that showcased the rich tapestry of tribal culture and craftsmanship.

The exhibitions showcased the Tribal culture and traditions displaying tribal folk art and crafts, jewellery and textiles, worship practices, rituals, cuisine, musical instruments, herbs, and more.

*Offered prayers in the traditional Akhara and Devgudi models*
The President viewed the symbolic models of the traditional Akhara and the main religious faith centres of tribal villages, Devgudi, and offered prayers to the deities.

Akhara is the cultural space of tribes residing in Surguja region of Chhattisgarh, located in the centre or crossroads of villages, often with clusters of shady trees. Villagers gather during festivals like Karma, Mahadev Bair, Teeja Aathe, Jivitia, Sohrai, Dasai, Phagwa, and sing folk songs and perform dances to traditional instruments. Tribal community members also performed traditional dances in the exhibition.

The main religious centres Devgudi in tribal villages are known by different names in the state—Devla, Devvalla, Mandar, Sheetla, Sarna, etc. Deities like Budhadev, Budhidai, Sheetla, Sarnadev, Dehwarin, Mahadev and others are enshrined in Tribal culture. The President was informed that during various festivals, villagers gather under the guidance of the Baiga to pray for the village’s peace and prosperity.

*Viewed the housing model made of mud and wood*
The President also stopped by a striking model of a traditional Chhattisgarh tribal house, crafted from mud and wood. The display showcased the classic design — one or two compact rooms with a front porch, a sloping tile roof, and functional spaces reflecting indigenous life. One room typically doubles as a kitchen and storage area, while the other serves as the bedroom. The ‘verandah’ is lined with everyday tools of tribal households, including the “dheki, musal, sil-batta and janta”. The President keenly observed the model, taking in the authentic details of tribal architecture and lifestyle.

*Exhibition of jewellery worn during festivals; Kalinder Ram presented Pairi and Gamchha to the President*
An exhibition of traditional jewellery of the state was also set up and President Smt Murmu viewed the exhibition and learned about the jewellery. Kalinder Ram presented a Pairi and a Gamchha to the President, which she accepted warmly. He informed her that traditional jewellery is made from gilt, copper, silver, gold, etc., and is worn during various festivals. Items displayed included the neckpiece Hasuli, armlet Bahuta, wrist bangle Anthi, silver-coin neckpiece Chandwa, waist belt Kamarbandh, anklet Pairi, toe ring Bichhiya, ear ornament Thotha, and nose ornament Chhuchhiya (Phooli).

*Exhibition of musical instruments*
Musical instruments played by tribes during festivals were also showcased. Tribes in the state play Tat, Avanaddh, Ghan, and Sushir instruments, whose melodious sounds enhance festivities. Some instruments can be heard miles away and naturally inspire people to dance. In Surguja and Bastar region the sounds of these instruments echo for months. Instruments displayed included Mandar, Dhol, Jhanjh, Manjira, Tambura, Sarangi, Khanjari, Bansuri, Chaurasi, and Paijan.

*Exhibition of herbs used by tribal communities for treatment*
In the exhibition a wide range of herbs used by Tribes residing in the state for treating physical ailments were also showcased. The exhibition displayed Ashwagandha, Kulanjan, Mulethi, Safed Musli, Giloy, Lal Jhimti, Arjun bark, Pisiya, Bhuichampa, Gokhru, Kutaj bark, Gudman leaves, Vireta, Rohini bark, Balamkhira, Harra, Bahera, Badi Imli seeds, Harsingar, Akarkara, Chiraigodi, Shilajit, and Balraj. Tribes living in forests, hills, valleys, and plains use herbs, roots, plants, and vines found in their surroundings for treatment. Tribal healers—Vaidya, Baiga, Gunia, Hathjod—treat people through hereditary knowledge.

*A vibrant display on traditional tribal cuisine and forest tubers*

The food-court drew significant attention at the venue. The exhibition showcased an array of festive and seasonal dishes prepared by tribal communities — from assorted ‘rotis’, ‘chutneys’ and ‘kohri’ (bari) to different varieties of ‘laddoos’. The display highlighted how tribal women rely on natural resources, collecting diverse tubers, fruits and flowers from the forest to prepare everyday meals. Among the many indigenous tubers on exhibit were Kanda-Pitharu Kanda, Dang Kanda, Nakwa (Churka) Kanda, Sakhain Kanda, and several others, offering a glimpse into the deep culinary connection tribal communities share with their forests.

In the elaborate tour the President was accompanied by Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Durga Das Uikey, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, Minister, Department of Tribal Development, Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramvichar Netam, In-charge Minister, Surguja district, and Minister, Finance and Commercial Tax Department, Shri Omprakash Choudhary, Minister, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Minister, Forest and Climate Change, Transport, Cooperation and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kedar Kashyap, Minister, Public Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education, Backward Classes and Minorities Development, Twenty-Point Programme Implementation Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Minister, Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Surguja MP Chintamani Maharaj, North Raipur MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Deo, and Ambikapur Mayor Smt Manjusha Bhagat were also present.