Raipur, 15 August 2025 – Chhattisgarh entered a historic chapter of celebration on Independence Day as Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Silver Festival from Muktakaashi Manch in Raipur, marking the beginning of a 25-week-long cultural and developmental festival to commemorate 25 years of statehood. Alongside, he also inaugurated the “Azadi Ki Garh-Gatha” photo exhibition at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, highlighting the state’s rich legacy of sacrifice in India’s freedom struggle.
The Silver Festival, running from 15 August 2025 to 6 February 2026, has been envisioned as a people’s festival, with Chief Minister Sai emphasizing that every section of society—farmers, youth, women, tribals, entrepreneurs and cultural groups—must actively participate. He described the celebration as an opportunity to both honor Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and set the course for a developed Chhattisgarh by 2047.
Recalling the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the creation of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said the state had made remarkable strides in 25 years, with achievements ranging from farmer welfare to rapid industrial growth. He underlined that the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) had expanded from Rs 21,000 crore at the time of formation to Rs 5 lakh crore today, with a target of Rs 10 lakh crore in the next five years. Major strides were noted in infrastructure and institutions, with IIT, IIM, IIIT and National Law University having been established in the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the transformation in agriculture. Farmers are now receiving Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy procurement, with an annual transfer of more than one lakh crore rupees to their accounts in the past two years. He described the Public Distribution System as a model ensuring food security for lakhs of families, ensuring no one goes hungry. On industrial development, he mentioned that Chhattisgarh’s new policies in pharma, semiconductors and textiles have attracted investments exceeding Rs 6 lakh crore.
During the festival period, every department will be allotted a dedicated week to showcase government schemes at the village level, ensuring grassroots awareness and participation. Popular cultural events such as the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum will also be organized to celebrate local traditions and sports. A special issue, festival logo and a web portal were also launched at the inaugural function.
Dignitaries including MLAs Motilal Sahu, Guru Khuswant Saheb and Purandar Mishra, along with senior officers and cultural leaders, attended the inaugural program. Culture Secretary Rohit Yadav said the festival was a collective opportunity to relive Chhattisgarh’s history with pride and to ensure strong involvement of women, youth and marginalized communities.
Adding to the Independence Day spirit, Chief Minister Sai inaugurated the “Azadi Ki Garh-Gatha” exhibition at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum. The exhibition narrates the valiant role of Chhattisgarh in India’s freedom struggle, showcasing the Paralkot rebellion led by Shaheed Gaind Singh (1825), the martyrdom of Veer Narayan Singh during the 1857 revolt, the heroic acts of Surendra Sai, Gundadhur during the 1910 movement, the Kandel Canal Satyagraha (1920), Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Chhattisgarh, and contributions of countless local martyrs.
The exhibition includes rare documents, photographs and illustrations, serving as an educational and inspirational resource. It will remain open to the public until August 19, from 10 am to 5 pm daily. The Chief Minister described it as “a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of Chhattisgarhis for the nation” and called for these stories to be shared widely, particularly with the youth.
Through both the Silver Festival and the freedom-themed exhibition, Chhattisgarh has begun its Silver Jubilee year with a blend of cultural pride, people’s participation and developmental vision, setting the tone for celebrations that will span nearly half a year across the state.
