A grand Ramleela by New Delhi artists, an emotional ‘Jatayu Moksh’ dance-drama by schoolgirls, and a vibrant Kavi Sammelan marked the opening day of the two-day Ramgarh Festival, celebrating Surguja’s rich cultural and literary heritage.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 29,2024: The opening day of the two-day Ramgarh Festival 2026, dedicated to showcasing the rich historical, cultural and literary heritage of the Surguja region, unfolded with a vibrant display of theatre, music, dance and poetry, drawing enthusiastic applause from a packed audience.
The festival’s biggest attraction was a grand Ramleela staged by renowned artists from New Delhi, who recreated key episodes from the life of Lord Shri Ram through compelling performances, elaborate costumes, grand stage settings and soulful music. The portrayal of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram’s ideals of righteousness, truth, sacrifice and duty captivated the audience, earning repeated rounds of applause.
Adding an emotional touch to the evening, students of Kasturba Gandhi Residential School, Udaipur, presented the dance-drama ‘Jatayu Moksh’, depicting the poignant episode of Lord Ram’s encounter with the dying Jatayu. Their expressive performance, supported by graceful choreography, traditional costumes and evocative music, moved many in the audience to tears and received a standing ovation for its artistic excellence.
The festival also featured a lively Kavi Sammelan, where acclaimed poets presented compositions on patriotism, heroism, romance, humour, satire and contemporary social issues. Poems celebrating Indian culture, national pride and human values resonated strongly with the audience, while humorous and satirical recitations filled the venue with laughter.
The cultural extravaganza was further enriched by performances of Sargujia folk dances, Karma dance, welcome songs and traditional folk music, showcasing the vibrant artistic traditions of the Surguja region. Local and regional artists highlighted the area’s rich cultural diversity through colourful and energetic presentations.
Organisers said the Ramgarh Festival aims to secure wider national recognition for Surguja’s historical and literary heritage while inspiring younger generations to connect with the region’s cultural roots. The overwhelming response to the inaugural day’s programmes reflected the festival’s growing importance as a platform for preserving and promoting Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural legacy.
