00 The beats of the drum resonated in the Garhbengal Ghotul, the Chief Minister praised the architecture of the Ghotul
Raipur. During his two-day visit to Narayanpur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today visited the 'Garhbengal Ghotul' and displayed his deep commitment towards the glorious traditions and folk culture of Bastar. On this occasion, amidst the melodious sound of traditional instruments and the warm welcome of the villagers, Chief Minister Shri Sai himself was seen immersed in the folk colours.

Chief Minister Shri Sai observed the unique architecture of the Ghotul and met with the eminent personalities of Bastar and encouraged them. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Ghotul has been an educational and cultural center for the tribal society since ancient times. This modern Ghotul, located near Chendru Park, will not only connect the new generation with its roots, but will also become a powerful medium to introduce tourists from India and abroad to the tribal lifestyle and social system. This Ghotul of Garhbengal is a symbol of preserving our glorious heritage. Our government is continuously striving to preserve this unique culture, tradition and knowledge of Bastar.

Chief Minister Shri Sai inspected the Leyyor and Leyosk Kurma of the Ghotul complex: rooms built for young men and women, as well as Bidar Kurma: a collection of traditional costumes, ancient musical instruments and cultural materials. During this, on the request of the villagers, Chief Minister Shri Sai honored the food culture of the region by tasting the traditional dishes of Bastar at Saga Kurma. During this, special food items like Gato-Bhat, Kodo-Bhat, Urid Daar, Hiruwa Daar, Jeera Bhaji, Kanki Paaj, Bhaji Ghirol Phool, Chaati Bhaji, Kanda Bhaji, Munga Bhaji, Tamarind Amat, Madia Paaj, Tomato Chutney, Chila Roti, Ragi Kurma, Ragi Cake, Ragi Lattu, Ragi Jalebi were served in the Chief Minister's meal.

During this visit, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, President of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association Shri Rupasai Salam, District Panchayat President Shri Narayan Markam, Padmashree Shri Pandiram Mandavi, folk artist Shri Butlu Ram, and senior public representative Smt. Sandhya Pawar sat together and tasted traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine. The Chief Minister's visit wasn't merely a formal visit, but rather a personal one. He honored the region's prominent figures—Vaidyaraj Padmashree Hemchandra Manjhi, Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi, and renowned folk artist Butlu Ram—by meeting and honoring them. He also met the family members of Tiger Boy Chendru. 
Eco -Friendly Ghotul: Built under the guidance of the Forest Department and Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi, this Ghotul is made entirely of eco-friendly materials (wood, clay, and bamboo). The Chief Minister praised the intricate carvings on the pillars of the Ghotul, which were carved by Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi himself. This carving demonstrates the effective efforts made to preserve the cultural connection and heritage.