TFP Bureau, Raigarh, September 4, 2025:The eighth day of the prestigious Chakradhar Samaroh 2025 lit up the historic city of Raigarh with a grand confluence of folk, classical and devotional performances, blending music, dance and physical art in a way that mesmerised thousands of spectators. Organized at Ramlila Maidan, the evening became a celebration of the state’s cultural identity, carrying forward the legacy of Raja Chakradhar Singh, the visionary ruler and patron of the arts.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, formally inaugurated the evening’s programme by offering prayers to Lord Ganesh and paying floral tributes to Raja Chakradhar. Lighting the ceremonial lamp, he praised the Raigarh Gharana of Kathak and described Raja Chakradhar Singh as a reformer, music lover and a ruler committed to social justice. “Raja Chakradhar is the pride not only of Raigarh but of the whole of India. His legacy of music and culture is now celebrated across the world through this Samaroh,” Athawale said, adding that the festival’s growing international acclaim reflects the strength of Indian cultural traditions. The inauguration was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh, Raigarh Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan, and several dignitaries.
The evening’s highlight was the electrifying performance of the famed Abujhmad Mallakhamb team. Their blend of strength, agility, balance and rhythm left the audience awestruck. Led by coach Manoj Prasad, the group included young stars Narendra Gota and Phulsingh Salam, winners of India’s Got Talent Season 10 in 2023, who rose from small villages of Bastar and Narayanpur to global fame. Performing gravity-defying postures on the traditional pole, the team displayed not just athletic excellence but also a deep sense of discipline and artistry. Their performance drew thunderous applause, with the crowd rising to their feet in admiration.
The success of these artists reflects the vision of the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy, founded in 2018 to provide training and education to tribal children. To date, the academy has produced over 500 national medalists, offering boarding, education and professional coaching to more than 50 students at a time. The academy has become a hub of hope for remote communities, where talent meets opportunity. Many of its students have represented India on international platforms, carrying the pride of Chhattisgarh to the world stage.
Equally captivating were the classical dance presentations that showcased the spiritual and artistic traditions of North and South India. Kathak exponent Sangeeta Kapse from Raipur, along with her disciples, performed Krishna Leela, depicting episodes from the childhood and youth of Lord Krishna. Through intricate footwork, rhythmic patterns of Teental and Jhaptal, and soulful expressions, the group recreated scenes of Krishna stealing butter, dancing with gopis, and defeating Kaliya Naag. The devotional depth of the performance drew repeated applause, immersing the audience in both rhythm and bhakti.
Renowned Bharatnatyam dancer Ajit Kumari Kujur and her team from Raipur added another dimension to the evening with their enthralling presentation of South Indian traditions. Their disciplined movements, expressive gestures and vibrant storytelling through dance highlighted the beauty of Navras – the nine emotions central to classical performance. Ajit Kumari’s presentation demonstrated how Bharatnatyam, once confined to temples, continues to resonate in contemporary settings as a form of devotion, discipline and cultural pride.
The cultural offerings of the day did not stop at dance and physical art. A Kavya Sandhya was also organised in memory of Padma Shri Late Dr. Surendra Dubey, where leading poets entertained the audience with humour, satire and verses on heroism. The literary session provided a unique balance to the evening’s programme, reminding all that the Chakradhar Samaroh is not only about music and dance but also a platform to celebrate India’s rich literary heritage.
Adding variety to the stage were performances by artists such as Aashika Singhal of Raipur, Devika Dixit of Durg, Nilangi Kalantre of Jabalpur and Dr. Laxmi Narayan Jena of Bengaluru, who showcased diverse Kathak traditions. Arnab Chatterjee of Mumbai captivated the audience with his soulful singing, while Bharatnatyam by Vasanti Vaishnav’s troupe of Bilaspur highlighted Chhattisgarh’s growing contributions to national classical arts.
As the evening drew to a close, thousands of art lovers left the venue deeply moved, carrying with them the echoes of music, rhythm and devotion. The day’s events reaffirmed that the Chakradhar Samaroh, born from the legacy of a visionary king, has today grown into an international cultural festival, bridging traditions of different regions and providing a stage for hidden talents from the remotest parts of India.
With its fusion of Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mallakhamb, music and poetry, the eighth day of the Samaroh will be remembered as a vibrant celebration of India’s unity in diversity – a testament to how folk traditions, classical art forms and emerging talents together strengthen the cultural fabric of the nation.
