The three-day event showcases the rich folk traditions of Chhattisgarh, and conveys a message of connecting the new generation with the culture.

Raipur, September 2026. With the aim of preserving Chhattisgarh's rich folk culture, diverse traditions of folk singing and folk dancing, and providing a platform for artists, the three-day "Lokrang Parv," organized by the Culture Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, was inaugurated with great fanfare on Sunday at the Muktakashi Manch, Mahant Ghasidas Museum Complex, Raipur. Running from September 6th to 8th, the event showcases the diverse colors of the state's traditional folk genres.

On the first day of the program, Chhattisgarhi folk tunes and traditional folk tales created such an atmosphere on the Muktakashi stage that the audience seemed to connect with the vibrant world of folk culture. The event began with a presentation of Bharthari Gatha. Following this, the artists gave impressive performances of various folk genres, including Pandavani, Dewar Geet, and Bharthari Gatha.

The diversity of folk art captivated the mind.

The Lokrang festival offers artists associated with Chhattisgarh's traditional folk art forms the opportunity to showcase their art. The event includes performances of various folk art forms, including Bharthari Gatha, Dewar Geet, Karma Dance, Sarhul, Lorik-Chanda, Dadriya, Pandavani, and Panthi.

On the first day, Ms. Durga Sahu gave a soulful rendition of Pandavani, Mrs. Poonam Tiwari of Dewar Geet, and Ms. Arunima Sharma of Bharthari Gatha. The artists' performances reflected the sensibilities, traditions, and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh's folk life.

The main objective of the event is to provide a platform to local artists.

Program director and Director of Culture and Archaeology, Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, said that through local platforms, artists associated with Chhattisgarh's folk arts receive encouragement and opportunities to showcase their art. He added that such events play an important role in bringing the state's "beautiful" culture, folk traditions, and cultural heritage to the masses, as well as connecting the younger generation to their roots.

He said that Chhattisgarh's folk arts are not merely a medium of entertainment, but also reflect the deep influence of the state's history, social life, folk beliefs, and community traditions. Through such events, efforts are being made to pass these traditions on to the next generation.

Presence of art and culture lovers

On the occasion of the inauguration of Lokrang festival, Director of Culture and Archaeology Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, Deputy Director Mr. Umesh Mishra, Chhattisgarh's famous poet Mir Ali Mir, Bollywood actress Shweta Padda, senior journalist and cinematographer Mr. Deependra Diwan, litterateur Mr. Vijay Mishra along with many dignitaries and art-culture lovers were present.

The festival of folk culture will continue till September 8.

The three-day Lokrang festival will continue until September 8th. Artists from various folk genres of Chhattisgarh will also present performances in the coming days. Through this event, the residents of Raipur are getting the opportunity to see and hear the diversity of the state's traditional folk arts, folk music, folk tales, and folk dances up close.

This cultural evening organized on the Muktakash stage is presenting the picture of the folk tradition of Chhattisgarh, in which the fragrance of the soil, the simplicity of folk life and the cultural heritage passed down from generations are visible together.