- Chief Minister Shri Sai attended the concluding ceremony of the regional Karam Puja Festival held in village Bangaon; he offered prayers to ‘Karam Raja’ and sought prosperity and well-being for the state.
- The Chief Minister danced alongside the troupes to the beat of the mandar (traditional drum); the participation of over 6,000 people brought the unique splendor of tribal culture to life.
- Announcements made for the construction of a community hall in Bangaon (Rs 50 lakh), a CC (cement concrete) road (Rs 20 lakh), and the development of mini-stadiums in Akhada and Sahaspur.
- The glorious history of the tribal community is filled with indelible tales of valor, sacrifice, and struggle: Chief Minister Shri Sai.
- The younger generation should remain connected to their cultural roots and traditions, even while embracing modern education and development: Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the concluding ceremony of the regional ‘Karam Puja Festival 2026’ today, held in village Bangaon, located in the Farsabahar development block of Jashpur district. Chief Minister Shri Sai performed formal rituals to worship ‘Karam Raja’ and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state. He also paid his respects by lighting a lamp before the portraits of Lord Mahadev and Goddess Parvati, ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari’ (Mother Chhattisgarh), and ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The festival, marked by traditional enthusiasm, joy, and devotion, showcased the captivating essence of tribal culture. More than 6,000 members of the Oraon community—joined by dance troupes from various parts of the district—performed a collective dance in traditional attire around ‘Karam Raja’ to the rhythmic beats of mandars and other traditional drums. Chief Minister Shri Sai also joined the dancers, stepping in rhythm with the traditional performance. He encouraged the performers and extended his best wishes to everyone on the occasion of Karam Parab.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai gifted various development projects to the local residents, announcing an allocation of Rs 50 lakh for the construction of a community hall and Rs 20 lakh for the construction of a CC (cement concrete) road in the village of Bangaon. He also announced the construction of an ‘Akhada’ (traditional community gathering/performance space) in Bangaon and a mini-stadium in Sahaspur.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Karam Parab represents our rich tribal culture, glorious traditions, and the invaluable heritage left by our ancestors. This festival expresses our deep faith, love, and respect for nature. The tradition of living in harmony with nature, established by our ancestors, continues to serve as an inspiration for the entire society today. Karam Parab connects us to the values of nature conservation, social unity, mutual brotherhood, and collective living.
The Chief Minister remarked that the true identity of Chhattisgarh lies in its rich tribal culture, folk festivals, folk arts, and its profound connection with nature. The tribal community has preserved its unique cultural traditions through generations. This constitutes our invaluable cultural capital, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and promote it.
He emphasized that while moving forward with modernity and development, it is equally essential to maintain our cultural identity. Only if our younger generation remains connected to its language, folk songs, folk dances, customs, and traditional festivals, can our rich heritage be safely passed on to future generations. He noted that such events not only strengthen social cohesion but also serve as an important medium to introduce the new generation to the wisdom, life values, and traditions of their ancestors.
- The Valor and Sacrifice of Tribal Heroes: A Glorious Chapter in the Nation’s History
Highlighting the glorious history of the tribal community, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the contribution of tribal heroes to India’s freedom struggle has been incomparable. Great heroes such as Rani Durgavati, ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gundadhur, Gend Singh, and Veer Budhu Bhagat have carved an indelible place in the nation’s history through their courage, struggle, and sacrifice.
The Chief Minister stated that Bhagwan Birsa Munda, at the young age of just 25, waged a historic struggle against British colonial rule. Meanwhile, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, in order to assist those suffering from famine and starvation, secured grain from British storehouses and distributed it to the needy. For his commitment to the public good and his fight against injustice, he was executed by the British regime. The lives of such great tribal heroes inspire us with courage, self-sacrifice, and dedication toward society.
- Bringing positive change to the lives of every section of society by implementing ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ on the ground.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government is working continuously for the welfare of women, farmers, the poor, laborers, and needy families. The government is prioritizing the fulfillment of the pledges made under ‘Modi’s Guarantee.’
He noted that ahead of Diwali, a significant gift was provided to the women of the state under the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana.’ The 33rd installment of the scheme was released during the closing ceremony of the ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Foundation Day celebrations) in the presence of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the prosperity of farmers is among the top priorities of his government. In the state, paddy is being procured from farmers at a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal, for up to 21 quintals per acre. The government has also fulfilled its promise by paying the long-pending bonuses to farmers. Similarly, landless agricultural laborers are being provided with ₹10,000 annually…Financial assistance is being provided.
He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, approximately 1,600 permanent houses are being constructed daily across the state. Through the ‘Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana’, more than 50,000 devotees have visited Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ramlala. Furthermore, the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana’ offers senior citizens and eligible beneficiaries the opportunity to undertake free pilgrimages to major sacred sites.
Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that, under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the firm resolve and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, historic success has been achieved in the eradication of Naxalism. Thanks to the indomitable courage and valor of the security forces, combined with the cooperation of the people of Bastar, the region is moving beyond the challenge of Naxalism toward a new era of peace, trust, and development. He added that a robust environment of peace and security is opening doors to new developmental possibilities in the state’s remote and tribal areas.
- Jashpur is making rapid progress in the sectors of education, health, sports, and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Shri Sai affirmed that the state government is fully committed to the holistic development of Jashpur district. Medical education has already commenced in the district. To nurture sporting talent, a sports complex and an archery academy are being developed, which will provide the district’s gifted athletes with better opportunities to hone their skills and excel.
He mentioned that the state’s fifth 400 KV power substation is being established at Harradand in the Kunkuri development block, which will strengthen the region’s power infrastructure. Continuous efforts are also underway to expand roads, bridges, culverts, irrigation systems, and other essential infrastructure across the district.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is determined to ensure that the light of development reaches every village and every individual in Jashpur—down to the very last person. Our priority is to take Jashpur to new heights of development by expanding education, healthcare, employment, sports, and infrastructure, while simultaneously preserving tribal culture and traditions.
Present on this occasion were Zila Panchayat Vice-President Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh Judev, Collector Shri Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Umed Singh, Zila Panchayat CEO Shri Abhishek Kumar, Zonal Karam Puja Festival President Shri Ved Prakash Bhagat, Executive President Shri Balram Bhagat, and organizing committee members Shri Gulab Ram, Shri Bodhsay Bhagat, Shri Sanjay Nikunj, and Shri Devdatt Nikunj, along with a large number of office-bearers from the Oraon community, public representatives, and local villagers.