Bastar, Feb. 8 -- The Bastar Pandum Festival, organised by the Chhattisgarh Government, has drawn a large crowd to witness Bastar's traditional handicrafts, tribal arts, folk costumes and local products.

The festival, which was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, showcased Bastar's rich tribal heritage with its extraordinary handicraft products, foods and traditional tribal dances and folk song performances.

Speaking with ANI, Somaru Ram Kawasi, a member of the judging panel who checked various food items presented at the festival, said, "There's a dish here, a kind of fermented drink that we call 'kal' here, and in Dhurua, they call it 'mel'. All the traditional dishes that are made in the village and are authentic are being given...