Culture, Pride, and Wins Mark a Vibrant Day

The State Bank of India (SBI) Life Insurance's Operation Cell Support Meet was held in the historic city of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. A large number of SBI employees from various districts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh attended the event, showcasing cultural diversity through their performances. However, when the Bastar team took the stage, the atmosphere changed completely.

As soon as the artists, dressed in traditional Bastariya attire, began their performance with the song "Aisa Jadoo Hai Mere Bastar Mein," the entire auditorium erupted in applause. The audience began dancing, and the judges were captivated. The Bastar team, comprised of Shubham Ghosh, Aryan Tiwari, Urmila Rao, Suman Kurre, and Neelam Sao, brought Bastar's culture, identity, and heritage to life through their group dances and traditional songs. Their hard work and presentation were so impressive that the judges awarded the Bastar team first place.

G., President of SBI Life, was present at the event. Durga Das, Regional Director Yogesh Sharma, Regional Manager Prabhat Choubey, and Regional Manager (Operations) Rajkumar Gupta praised the Bastar team and said that this performance truly made the entire event memorable. This achievement is not just a victory for one team, but for the entire Bastar region. It shows that Bastar's tradition, culture, and art have such magic that they can light up any stage. The message emanating from the land of Bastar is clear: "There is such magic in my Bastar that touches every heart."

Bhanjdev performed puja at the Danteshwari Temple on the first day of Navratri
Jagdalpur. On the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, Kamalchandra Bhanjdev, a member of the former royal family, performed puja at the Danteshwari Temple, following a centuries-old tradition. In the presence of the royal guru and priests, he worshipped the royal family's sword, Singhvahini, Dashbhuja Danteshwari, and Bhairam Dev. After this, he prayed to Lord Vishnu and the family deity Mahakali and prayed for the prosperity of Bastar.

The royal family adorned Goddess Danteshwari with a golden crown and necklace. A large crowd of devotees gathered from early morning, but the administration's preparations for rain and crowd management appeared inadequate. No shade pandals were erected, nor were any arrangements made for protection from the rain. Devotees expressed their displeasure, saying that while there are claims of elaborate preparations, there is a severe lack of facilities on the ground.

Chunari Yatra of the Kinnar Community, Devotion in the Mother's Court
Jagdalpur. Late Sunday night, the Kinnar community set an example of faith by offering a Chunari to Goddess Danteshwari. The Chunari Shobha Yatra, which began from the new bus stand, reached the temple amid hymns and chants. Riya Singh Parihar explained that this tradition is observed for the progress of traders and the prosperity of the community. During the procession, the entire route echoed with chants of Jai Shri Ram, Jai Mata Di, and Har Har Mahadev. Tight security arrangements were in place within the temple premises, and the Kinnar community, immersed in devotion, performed aarti of the goddess.

Contractors narrate their grievances to the Deputy CM
Dantewada. On the first day of Navratri, Deputy CM Arun Sao, who visited the shrine of Goddess Danteshwari, was presented with a memorandum by the Contractors' Association. They accused PHE department officials of accepting bribes and withholding payments for construction projects. Contractors explained that previously, 40% of the DMF funds were approved at the time of completion of the work, but now payments are being received in installments. A shortage of sand and gravel mines is stalling work. Contractors say the delay in payments and the unavailability of mineral resources are causing them mental and financial distress.

Raghunath Nag becomes a Jogi again
Jagdalpur. 27-year-old Raghunath Nag of Bade Amabal will perform the Jogi Bithai ritual for the fifth time this year. He will meditate on only tea and water for nine days. He quit his studies when he was first given this responsibility and has been following the tradition ever since. Dressed in new clothes at Sirhasar Bhavan, he was taken to the Maval Mata Temple in the presence of priests, where, after worshipping a sword, he sat in a pit.

The Bastar Dussehra Committee stated that villagers will serve Jogi for nine days. This tradition has been ongoing for hundreds of years to ensure Dussehra is celebrated without obstacles. Nag said that while he couldn't complete his studies due to poverty, he will educate his son well.

Little Angel Pankti Wins Miss Teen India 2025 Crown
Jagdalpur. Pankti Bedarkar, a 13-year-old student from Jagdalpur, brought glory to Bastar by winning first place in the Miss Teen India 2025 competition held in Delhi. The Class 9 student impressed everyone with her confidence, stage presentation, and intelligent answers.

The audience was mesmerized by Pankti's performance on the New Delhi stage. Pankti won this title along with three other titles and credited her mother, Taruna Bedarkar, her dance teacher, and her family. She will receive a grand welcome from Raipur to Jagdalpur, and will seek blessings for her victory by visiting the Danteshwari Temple.

Eternal Flame Lit in Jyoti Kalash
Dantewada. On the first day of Navratri, thousands of lamps were lit in the Jyoti Kalash Bhavan at the Danteshwari Temple. The first flame was lit after Rahukaal ended in the morning. Servants are caring for the eternal flame 24 hours a day amid 40-degree temperatures. Head priest Harendra Nath Jiya explained that special prayers will be held on Panchami and Ashtami, when the crowd of devotees swells manifold. It's so hot inside the Bhavan that staying for more than five minutes becomes difficult. Despite this, devotees are flocking to the Mother Goddess's court to have darshan.