Governor Ramen Deka says festival is carrying Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s artistic legacy to a new generation
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 15, 2026: The 41st International Chakradhar Samaroh began in Raigarh on Monday with Governor Ramen Deka inaugurating the 10-day cultural festival at Ramlila Maidan.
The festival, being held from September 14 to 23, will feature performances in vocal and instrumental music, dance and folk arts by artists from across the country and Chhattisgarh, along with local performers.
Lighting a lamp before the portrait of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, Mr Deka said the Samaroh was more than a platform for artistic performances and served as an important means of introducing the next generation to the ruler’s contribution to Indian art and culture.
“Maharaja Chakradhar Singh placed art above the royal throne,” the Governor said, recalling his patronage of artists and his efforts to bring music, dance and literature closer to the people. He said the Kathak tradition of the Raigarh Gharana had acquired a distinct identity in India and gained recognition internationally.
Mr Deka referred to Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s works, including Nartan Sarvasva, Taltoya Nidhi and Raga Ratna Manjusha, describing them as valuable contributions to Indian art and literature.
He said the Chakradhar Samaroh had evolved into an important part of Raigarh’s cultural identity and was no longer merely an institutional event. Its inclusion of local artists alongside established performers from across the country, he said, provided young people an opportunity to remain connected with their cultural roots.
The Governor also stressed the need to preserve cultural heritage alongside economic and industrial development. Raigarh, he said, was known not only for its industrial growth but also for its music, dance and artistic traditions.
“Art and culture are not merely symbols of identity; they can also contribute to tourism and economic activity,” Mr Deka said, urging the younger generation to combine tradition with innovation.
He highlighted Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions, including Panthi, Raut Nacha, Bharthari, Sua and Karma, as well as its tribal dances and folk music, saying they reflected India’s cultural diversity.
Maharaja’s works need preservation, publication: Devendra Pratap Singh
Rajya Sabha member Devendra Pratap Singh said preserving and publishing Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s compositions and writings was a cultural responsibility.
Mr Singh said the Maharaja, born on August 19, 1905, had played an important role in preserving Indian music, art and cultural traditions at a time when several classical traditions were losing their original form.
He said the Maharaja’s compositions and texts constituted an important heritage of Indian music and art and needed to be preserved, studied and made widely available to future generations.
According to Mr Singh, the issue of preserving and publishing these works had also been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had shown interest in the matter. He expressed hope that the Centre would take initiatives to facilitate their publication.
Radheshyam Rathia said the festival had become a symbol of Raigarh’s cultural identity and was helping carry forward the musical and dance traditions associated with Maharaja Chakradhar Singh.
Collector Mayank Chaturvedi said culture was the “soul of society” and art its vibrant expression. He said the festival had become an important platform for preserving and promoting Raigarh’s cultural heritage.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by District Panchayat president Shikha Ravindra Gabel, Municipal Corporation Mayor Jeevardhan Chauhan, Rajya Sabha member Devendra Pratap Singh, Lok Sabha member Radheshyam Rathia, Senior Superintendent of Police Shashimohan Singh and other public representatives, officials, artists and cultural enthusiasts.
Ganesh Vandana marks opening
The inaugural evening began with a Ganesh Vandana presented by disciples of the late art guru Vedmani Singh Thakur. The performance set the tone for an evening of classical music and dance, with vocal, instrumental and rhythmic performances.
The vocal performances featured Sunita Tiwari, Ishwari Gupta, Shubhangi Sahu, Chaval Kumar Patel, Vedprakash Aditya and Basant Yadav, with Priyanka Sahu on harmonium.
The instrumental segment featured Devlal Dewangan on pakhawaj, Shantanu Patel on tabla, Kishore Barik on flute and Shagufta Bano on violin. Ananddas Mahant added to the performance with ghungroo accompaniment.
The programme was directed by Priyanka Sahu and coordinated by Suresh Kumar Chandel. Padma Shri awardees Usha Barle and Anuj Sharma also performed during the inaugural programme and were honoured by the Governor.
The performances were received with applause by a large audience at Ramlila Maidan, marking the beginning of the 41st edition of the festival.
