- Maharaja Chakradhar Singh placed art above the throne and brought global recognition to the Raigarh family.
- Artists from across the country and state will perform at Ramlila Maidan till September 23.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka inaugurated the 41st International Chakradhar Festival on Monday by lighting a lamp in front of the oil painting of Maharaja Chakradhar in a grand manner on the land of Raigarh, which is associated with the rich tradition of music, dance and art. While inaugurating the festival, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that this event is not only a platform for art presentations, but is also an important medium to take the art practice and rich cultural heritage of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh to the new generation. In the festival organized at Ramlila Maidan from 14th to 23rd September, along with renowned artists from the country and state, local talents will also give performances of singing, playing, dancing and folk art.
- Governor Honors Artists
On the occasion of the inauguration, Governor Shri Ramen Deka honored the artists who performed at the festival. Performances were given by Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, Padma Shri Shri Anuj Sharma, and other artists, as well as disciples of the late art guru Vedmani Singh Thakur. The artists’ performances further elevated the cultural prestige of the festival.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that the Chakradhar Festival is an occasion to remember the artistic pursuits and vision of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. Raigarh is an important heritage site of Indian classical arts, and the Kathak of the Raigarh Gharana has established its unique identity not only in the country but also internationally. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh placed greater importance on art than on the throne. He patronized artists and worked to integrate music, dance, and literature into the lives of the common people. He said that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s works, “Nartan Sarvasva,” “Talatoy Nidhi,” and “Raag Ratna Manjusha,” remain significant treasures in the fields of art and literature even today. Through his practice, he proved that art is not dependent on a single location or center. Wherever there is continuous practice, that place becomes a pilgrimage site for art. Today, Raigarh’s identity is associated with music, the jingle of anklets, the beats of the tabla, and the expressions of dance. The Governor said that the Chakradhar Festival is no longer just a government or institutional event, but has become the cultural heartbeat of Raigarh. The festival’s unique feature is the platform for local talent alongside renowned artists from across the country. Such events foster a connection to their roots in the new generation. Youth should strive to elevate art to new heights by combining tradition with innovation. Referring to Chhattisgarh’s rich folk traditions, he said that tribal dances and folk songs, including Panthi, Raut Nacha, Bharthari, Sua, and Karma, are hallmarks of our cultural diversity. India’s greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity, and the Chakradhar Festival offers a living example of this cultural unity.
- The Governor stated that preserving cultural heritage is essential alongside development
Raigarh is known for its art and culture, not just industrial development. Last year, the festival celebrated its 40th anniversary, and now, the 41st festival is moving toward new heights with renewed energy. Such events foster cultural renaissance and connect art with society. He emphasized that art and culture are not only our identity but also a means of stimulating tourism and economic activity. Even in today’s digital age, the new generation must remain connected to their cultural roots. Connecting to our roots is not backwardness, but our identity and strength. The Chakradhar Festival is an important effort to remember the past and pass on that heritage to future generations.
- Preserving the invaluable works and texts of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh is our cultural responsibility – Rajya Sabha MP Shri Devendra Pratap Singh
On the auspicious occasion of the 41st Chakradhar Samaroh, Rajya Sabha MP Shri Devendra Pratap Singh extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone on Ganesh Chaturthi. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka for his gracious presence at the ceremony, saying that his presence further enhanced the grandeur of the ceremony. He noted that the Chakradhar Samaroh has a proud tradition of being inaugurated by the Governor. Rajya Sabha MP Shri Singh said that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was born on August 19, 1905. He performed significant work in preserving Indian art, music, and culture at a time when many of our cultural traditions were drifting away from their original form. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh made remarkable efforts to preserve the glorious tradition of Indian music and art, which has been integral to temples, religious rituals, and auspicious occasions, as well as to public life. He stated that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was not only a ruler but also a great patron of Indian art and culture. His works and the texts he created are invaluable treasures of Indian music and art. The preservation, study, and widespread dissemination of these important texts are essential so that future generations can become familiar with this great cultural heritage. Rajya Sabha MP Shri Singh stated that he had also raised the issue of preserving and publishing Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s important works and texts with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and the Prime Minister showed special interest. He expressed confidence that the Central Government would take significant initiatives towards the publication of these invaluable texts in the future. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government and State Governments are continuously working to preserve and promote Indian culture, art, and glorious heritage. It is our collective responsibility to carry forward the purpose with which Maharaja Chakradhar Singh preserved and enriched the great tradition of Indian art and culture.
- Chakradhar Festival Enhances Raigarh’s Cultural Heritage: Lok Sabha MP Shri Radheshyam Rathiya
Lok Sabha MP Shri Radheshyam Rathiya said that the Chakradhar Festival symbolizes Raigarh’s glorious cultural identity. This festival is playing a vital role in furthering the rich legacy of music and dance that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh gave to Raigarh. He said that it is our collective responsibility to continuously take the Chakradhar Festival to new heights.
Municipal Corporation Mayor Shri Jivardhan Chauhan welcomed the guests and artists and expressed his gratitude to the district administration, police administration, organizing committee, media, and the people of Raigarh for the event’s success. He said that the Chakradhar Festival is a unique identity of Raigarh’s art and culture, and everyone’s cooperation is essential to take it to greater heights.
- Culture is the soul of society and art is its living expression – Collector
Collector Mr. Mayank Chaturvedi welcomed and congratulated the Governor, public representatives, artists and art lovers present at the function. He expressed his gratitude to the district administration, police administration, municipal corporation, officers-employees, technical team, volunteers, media representatives and art loving citizens for their cooperation in making the event a success. He said that culture is the soul of a society and art is its living expression. Chakradhar Samaroh is an important event that takes forward this glorious cultural tradition of Raigarh. He expressed confidence that with everyone’s cooperation the festival will achieve new heights in the field of art and culture.
On this occasion, District Panchayat President Mrs. Shikha Ravindra Gabel, Chairman Mr. Degree Lal Sahu, Mr. Gurupal Bhalla, Mr. Shrikant Somawar, Mr. Subhash Pandey, Mr. Vikas Kedia, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Shashi Mohan Singh, Assistant Collector Mr. Gokul R.K., along with other dignitaries, public representatives, district administration officials, people associated with art and culture, and a large number of common people were present.
The program of the 41st Chakradhar Festival started with Ganesh Vandana.
- Disciples of Shri Vedmani Singh Thakur gave a captivating performance.
Carrying forward the glorious tradition of melody, rhythm, rhythm and ghunghrus, the first evening of the 41st International Chakradhar Samaroh-2026 began with Ganesh Vandana at Ramlila Maidan. The Ganesh Vandana presented by the disciples of Shri Vedmani Singh Thakur filled the atmosphere of the ceremony with devotion.
After Ganesh Vandana, the artists mesmerized the audience with their captivating singing and playing performances. Mrs. Priyanka Sahu accompanied the performance on harmonium. Kumari Sunita Tiwari, Kumari Ishwari Gupta, Kumari Shubhangi Sahu, Mr. Chaval Kumar Patel, Mr. Vedprakash Aditya and Mr. Basant Yadav presented singing. In instrumental music, Mr. Devlal Devangan played pakhawaj, Mr. Shantanu Patel played tabla, Mr. Kishore Barik played flute and Kumari Shagufta Bano played violin. Mr. Ananddas Mahant made the performance more attractive by playing ghunghru.
The program was directed by Mrs. Priyanka Sahu, while Mr. Suresh Kumar Chandel was the coordinator. The artists’ meticulous performances made the first evening of the festival memorable with their melodies and rhythm. The audience at the Ramlila Maidan enthusiastically welcomed the artists’ performances with thunderous applause.