Chakradhar Festival: A Great Resolution to Connect with the Golden Memories of the Past and Preserve Our Priceless Heritage – Governor Deka
Raipur, 27 August
The Chakradhar Festival connects us with the golden memories of the past and symbolizes a great resolve to preserve our priceless heritage. The dream that King Chakradhar Singh envisioned from the land of Raigarh – to pass on art and culture to the new generation – is represented by this festival. Governor Mr. Ramen Deka inaugurated the grand 40th Chakradhar Festival organized in Raigarh district and addressed the gathering. On this occasion, he offered prayers to Lord Ganesha and paid homage to the legendary musician King Chakradhar Singh.
Governor Mr. Deka said that as Chhattisgarh celebrates its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of its glorious journey, the Chakradhar Festival has played a leading role in enriching the culture of the state. He mentioned the deep ties between Assam and Chhattisgarh, noting that during British rule, people from this region had migrated to Assam. He drew a parallel between the cultural efforts of Srimanta Sankardev in Assam and those of King Chakradhar in Raigarh. Mr. Deka also announced that an award will be instituted in Assam in the memory of King Chakradhar Singh.
He stated that the land of Raigarh is a priceless treasure of Indian classical art and culture. The Raigarh Gharana has made its mark not only in India but globally. King Chakradhar Singh elevated Kathak dance to new heights and gave new direction to music and dance through his works like Nartan Sarvasva, Taaltoya Nidhi, and Raag Ratna Manjusha. He emphasized that art awakens our inner sensitivities and makes life beautiful. In an era where people are drifting away from culture in the race for modernity, such festivals reconnect us with our roots. Mr. Deka remarked that the mention of Raigarh brings to mind the sweetness of music, the rhythm of dance, and the vibrant hues of art. This is the very land where the shehnai of Bismillah Khan, the flute of Hariprasad Chaurasia, and the voices of great literary personalities like Pandit Jasraj once echoed. He extended his best wishes to the people of Raigarh for preserving and advancing this rich tradition.
On the occasion, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the greatest strength of Indian culture lies in its unity in diversity. He noted that since ancient times, disciplines like music, dance, and literature have flourished under royal patronage, and these traditions have taken India to great heights.
Paying tribute to King Chakradhar Singh, he said that when only the Jaipur and Banaras Gharanas of Kathak were popular, the establishment of the Raigarh Gharana significantly enriched Indian culture. Mr. Shekhawat called the festival a glorious opportunity to remember the life and works of King Chakradhar. He stated that under the strong and capable leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh is shedding its image of extremism and emerging with a new identity in culture and tourism. The state, once considered backward due to Naxal challenges, is now gaining global recognition for its folk arts and tourist destinations. He further said that under PM Modi’s leadership, India is undergoing a cultural renaissance, with our folk arts, dances, and traditions being revived and strengthened. He expressed confidence that over the next ten days, Raigarh will be immersed in cultural hues, with artists from across India and abroad adding grandeur to this historic event through their performances.
Finance Minister Mr. O.P. Choudhary said that concrete efforts are being made to give the Chakradhar Festival national recognition. He noted that ongoing development work in Raigarh is strengthening the region’s cultural and social identity. With the support of the central government, major religious and tourist sites in Chhattisgarh are being developed. He mentioned that special funds have been allocated, including for projects like the Bhoramdeo Temple.
Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Devendra Pratap Singh extended his heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. He said that the presence of guests from Delhi added prestige to the Chakradhar Festival. He praised King Chakradhar Singh for giving Kathak dance a new identity, elevating the Raigarh Gharana through formal training, and establishing it on an international platform. He emphasized that the contribution of a Gond tribal king in taking Kathak to such great heights will always be remembered as a golden chapter in history.
Raigarh MP Mr. Radheshyam Rathiya said that this grand celebration is further enhancing Raigarh’s reputation and giving new recognition to its cultural heritage.
On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Tokhan Sahu, Agriculture Minister and District In-charge Minister Mr. Ramvichar Netam, Minister for Culture and Religious Affairs Mr. Rajesh Agrawal, Jangir-Champa MP Mrs. Kamlesh Jangde, Mahasamund MP Mrs. Rupkumari Choudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Chunnilal Garasiya, Mayor of the Municipal Corporation Mr. Jeevvardhan Chauhan, and several other public representatives, officials, dignitaries, and a large number of spectators were present.