1,281 participants trained in 16 disciplines during 16-day camp; Brijmohan Agrawal calls for connecting the younger generation with Chhattisgarh’s cultural roots
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 9,2026: The Department of Culture’s flagship art training camp, “Aakar-2026,” concluded on Monday with a vibrant showcase of folk dances, music, handicrafts and artistic performances, celebrating Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage while nurturing the creative talents of the younger generation.
Held from May 25 to June 9 at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum complex in Raipur, the 16-day camp trained 1,281 participants from across the state in 16 different art disciplines. The programme brought together traditional folk arts, handicrafts and contemporary creative practices, creating a unique platform for cultural learning and artistic expression.
Member of Parliament Shri Brijmohan Agrawal attended the closing ceremony as chief guest. Also present were Shri Shashank Sharma, President of Sahitya Akademi; Shri Prabhat Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Official Language Commission; Ms. Mona Sen, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation; Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, Director of the Department of Culture and Archaeology; and Deputy Director Shri Pratap Chandra Parakh, along with artists, trainees, parents and cultural enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Agrawal recalled that the “Aakar” initiative was launched in 2004 during his tenure as Culture Minister with the objective of preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh’s art, culture and folk traditions. He said the programme has played a significant role in providing national and international recognition to the state’s cultural heritage.
Highlighting the importance of cultural education, Shri Agrawal stressed the need to acquaint children with traditional arts, folk culture and nature. He suggested that similar training camps should be organized across all divisions of the state and advocated the establishment of permanent sales centres for traditional jewellery and handicrafts to provide economic opportunities for artisans.
“The new generation must remain connected to its cultural roots. Knowledge of our traditions, folk arts and heritage is essential for preserving our identity and enriching society,” he said.
In his welcome address, Dr. Sanjay Kannauje described “Aakar” as more than just an art training camp, calling it an important medium for preserving and promoting traditional knowledge, folk arts and cultural values. He noted that the registration fee had been reduced from ₹200 to ₹100 to encourage wider participation, while special concessions were extended to differently-abled and orphaned children.
This year’s edition successfully blended traditional art forms with modern technology. Participants received training in disciplines including terracotta, jute craft, Godna art, Rajwar mural art, Mandala and Mandana painting, Bharthari singing, Kathak dance and traditional jewellery-making, while also gaining exposure to Artificial Intelligence-based art techniques.
At the closing ceremony, Shri Agrawal felicitated all art gurus and trainers with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to nurturing artistic talent and preserving cultural traditions.
The cultural evening emerged as one of the highlights of the event, with participants presenting colourful performances of Suva, Karma and Panthi dances, along with Bansgeet, Bharthari singing and other folk music traditions. Dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by folk instruments, the young performers captivated the audience and brought the spirit of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture alive on stage.
The camp featured training from several renowned artists and experts from across the state in fields ranging from painting, bonsai art and clay modelling to folk music, embroidery, terracotta, crochet, AI art and tribal crafts.
Officials said the overwhelming participation and enthusiastic response to “Aakar-2026” reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. By combining traditional knowledge with contemporary creativity, the programme not only provided artistic training but also strengthened cultural pride and inspired young participants to remain connected to their roots.
The successful conclusion of the camp marked yet another milestone in the state’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich artistic and cultural legacy while creating new opportunities for emerging talent.
