- A grand cultural event will be held under the chairmanship of the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Rajesh Agrawal. Highlights will include a theatrical performance titled ‘Main Ayodhya Hoon’ (I Am Ayodhya) and a musical presentation by the renowned singer Swasti Mehul.
- The ‘Shilpgram’ (Craft Village) will host 11 cultural performances, showcasing a unique blend of Pandwani, Sua, Odissi, Kathak, folk music, and Sufi singing.
- The festival will provide a platform for Chhattisgarh’s rich folk traditions and cultural heritage, with artists from various regions of the state showcasing their talents.
On November 2, the second day of the Chhattisgarh State Festival 2026, the Rajyotsav grounds in Naya Raipur Atal Nagar will become a magnificent confluence of art, culture, music, and folk traditions. During the special cultural event held on Monday as part of the three-day festival, the audience will be treated to captivating performances of Indian art and music, alongside the glorious cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. While the main stage will feature grand theatrical productions and musical performances by renowned artists, the ‘Shilpgram’ will showcase the folk arts and cultural prowess of artists from different corners of the state.
Governor Shri Ramen Deka will be the chief guest at the special event held on the second day of the festival, which will be presided over by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Rajesh Agrawal. MLAs Shri Rajesh Munat, Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Sunil Soni, Shri Anuj Sharma, and Shri Indra Kumar Sahu will attend as guests of honor. The event is expected to see the participation of public representatives, prominent figures from the fields of art and culture, various artists, and a large number of citizens from across the state.
- The theatrical performance ‘Main Ayodhya Hoon’ will bring Indian culture and spiritual heritage to life.
Cultural programs on the main stage will commence at 6:00 PM on the second day of the festival. A special theatrical performance titled ‘Main Ayodhya Hoon’ (I Am Ayodhya) will be staged from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Through this performance, the historical, religious, and spiritual heritage of Ayodhya will be presented in an artistic manner. Offering a glimpse into Indian culture, faith, traditions, and a glorious history, this theatrical production will be a major highlight for the audience.
Beyond expressing Indian cultural consciousness and spiritual values, this performance will introduce the audience to the nation’s rich traditions. This confluence of history, faith, and culture—brought to life through the art of theatre—will lend a distinct sense of grandeur to the cultural festivities of the ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Festival).
- The Rajyotsav stage will resonate with the songs of Sunil Soni and the melodious voice of Swasti Mehul.
The second day of the Rajyotsav will also feature special attractions for music lovers. From 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, popular Chhattisgarh-based singer Sunil Soni will deliver a musical performance, showcasing the sweetness of Chhattisgarhi music and the unique cultural identity of the state.
Following this, at 8:00 PM, renowned playback singer Swasti Mehul will take the stage. Her songs will fill the evening with melody. This blend of folk culture, theatrical arts, and contemporary music promises to offer the audience a diverse cultural experience.
- ‘Shilpgram’ to host 11 cultural performances—a unique fusion of folk arts and classical dance.
In addition to the main stage, ‘Shilpgram’ will also showcase the rich folk culture of Chhattisgarh and the exquisite beauty of Indian classical arts on November 2nd. Cultural programs at the Shilpgram stage will commence at 3:00 PM. A total of 11 performances are scheduled for the day, encompassing a diverse range of art forms, including folk music, Pandwani, Sua dance, Odissi, Kathak, Sufi music, Ghazals, and traditional folk theatre. At the event, Smt. Prasanna Awasthi will present folk music and dance. Ms. Sushmita Das will offer a beautiful expression of the Indian classical dance tradition through Odissi. Ms. Sampriya Puja Nishad from Durg will bring the renowned Pandwani singing tradition of Chhattisgarh to life on stage.
Shri Ankit Nirmalkar from Bilaspur will perform Sufi, Ghazal, and light vocal music. Ms. Milvantin Bai from Gariyaband will provide a captivating glimpse into the folk culture of Chhattisgarh through the traditional Sua dance. Ms. Megha Bose Tamrakar from Raipur will introduce the audience to traditional folk music.
Additionally, Ms. Anchal Pandey will present a Kathak dance performance. Ms. Rukmani Diwan from Dhamtari will showcase the folk life and traditions of Chhattisgarh through the medium of folk theatre. Shri Aditya Mishra will deliver a musical performance with his band. Smt. Vinita Tripathi (with a Kathak performance) and Shri Tejram Sahu (with a folk theatre presentation) will add a special allure to the cultural program.
- A Glimpse into the Folk Beliefs and Traditions of Chhattisgarh through Pandwani and Sua Dance
The cultural programs organized at Shilpgram place special emphasis on the traditional folk arts of Chhattisgarh. Pandwani is a world-renowned folk ballad tradition from Chhattisgarh, in which stories from the Mahabharata are presented through a unique style of singing and acting. Meanwhile, the Sua dance is an integral part of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture, communal life, and traditional festivities.
Through these performances, the audience will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the state’s cultural diversity, folk beliefs, and social traditions.Performances of classical dances, such as Kathak, will showcase the richness of Indian artistic traditions. Presentations of Sufi music, Ghazals, and light vocal music (sugam sangeet) will add a diverse musical dimension to the event.
- A major platform for local artists; connecting the new generation with cultural heritage
The cultural programs held on the second day of the ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Festival) will provide a significant opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent. Artists from various districts across the state will have a platform to present their art at this state-level event. This will encourage the preservation, promotion, and dissemination of traditional folk arts.
The folk arts of Chhattisgarh are not merely a source of entertainment; they are a vibrant expression of the state’s history, social life, tribal traditions, folk beliefs, and cultural identity. Events like the Rajyotsav play a crucial role in connecting these traditions with the new generation and encouraging artists.
- Rajyotsav to elevate Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity to new heights
Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, stated that the rich art, culture, and folk traditions of Chhattisgarh are an invaluable heritage of the state. The Rajyotsav serves as a vital opportunity to bring wider recognition to these glorious traditions and to foster the talent of local artists. Various regions of the state possess a unique legacy of folk art and cultural traditions, the preservation and promotion of which remain our priority.
He added that the Rajyotsav provides a broad platform for showcasing Chhattisgarh’s cultural diversity, tribal traditions, and folk arts. Such events not only boost the morale of artists but also inspire the new generation to connect with their cultural roots.
On November 2, the second day of the Rajyotsav, the Rajyotsav Ground in Naya Raipur will witness a remarkable confluence of Indian cultural heritage, Chhattisgarhi folk arts, classical dance, and contemporary music. Eleven cultural programs, including a special theatrical performance titled ‘Main Ayodhya Hoon’ (‘I am Ayodhya’) and musical presentations by Shri Sunil Soni and Ms. Swasti Mehul, will be held at Shilpgram, offering the audience a rich and diverse experience of art and culture. This event will provide the people of the state an opportunity to take pride in their rich cultural heritage and connect with the glorious traditions of Chhattisgarh.