Raipur, September 2026: The 41st International Chakradhar Samaroh-2026, dedicated to the artistic legacy and rich cultural heritage of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, will bring together a vibrant mix of music, dance and traditional art forms in Raigarh from September 14 to 23.
The 10-day cultural extravaganza will be held at the Ramlila Maidan in Raigarh, with renowned artists from Chhattisgarh and across the country sharing the stage with local performers. The cultural programmes will begin every evening at 6 p.m., featuring classical dance, Chhattisgarhi folk art, Pandavani, folk music, Kabir bhajans, ghazals and instrumental performances.
Organised by the district administration with the support of the Department of Culture, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board and public participation, the festival will feature Padma Shri awardees as well as artists associated with Indian Idol. Each evening will showcase a distinct art form, creating a unique blend of classical traditions and folk culture.
Grand Opening with Ganesh Vandana
The festival will begin on September 14 with a Ganesh Vandana performed by disciples of Shri Vedmani Singh Thakur. Padma Shri awardee Anuj Sharma will then present folk art and music, followed by a Pandavani performance by Padma Shri awardee Dr Usha Barle.
On September 15, audiences will witness tabla recital by Nishit Gangani, Kuchipudi by T. Lakshmi Reddy, Rajasthani folk performances by Stark Society Barmer and Pandavani by Taruna Sahu and group. Madhavras Band will also present devotional songs.
September 16 will feature Kathak by Moumala Nayak, Chhattisgarhi folk dance by Bhupendra Sahu and group, and Kathak performances by Dr Yasmeen Singh and group and Vibhuti Sharma. Payal Sahu and group will add folk colours to the evening.
Classical Dance Traditions Take Centre Stage
September 17 will showcase a combination of folk music and classical dance, including performances by Badal-Bastar Academy of Dance, Arts and Literature, Kathak by Madhumita Roy Mishra and Odissi by Jhanvi Behera. Shivaranjani Harish and Kalaarpana Dance Group, disciples of Padma Bhushan awardee Shobhana, will present Bharatanatyam, while Shiv Shakti Kala Sansthan will perform Kathak.
The September 18 programme will feature Manipuri dance by Dr Manju Elangbam, Kuchipudi by Shweta Nayak and group, and folk music by Anurag Sharma. Padma Shri awardee Bharti Bandhu will present Kabir bhajans.
September 19 will bring together Odissi performances by Gauri Shankar Dash and Reela Hota with a poetry evening featuring Padma Shri awardee Surendra Sharma and other artists.
Music, Folk Dance and Sufi Traditions
On September 20, B. Sahu and group will perform Gotipua, while Indian Idol fame Amit Sana will present popular songs. Bhupendra Bareth and group will perform Kathak under the direction of Padma Shri awardee Ramlal Bareth.
September 21 will feature Banaras Gharana Kathak by Rudrashankar Sinha, folk songs by Sonu Gupta and group, Kathak by Vansati Vaishnav and group, and Santoor, Pakhawaj and tabla performances by Triveni Sangam. Nritya Natika by Sanskar Kala Sangh and Banaras Gharana Kathak by Nrityanjali will also be presented.
The September 22 programme will feature Kathakali by Guru Kottakkal Nandakumaran Nair, Odissi by Diksha Rath and sitar by Prof Dr Lovely Sharma. Punrik Sahu-Laharanga will present folk music, while Raigarh's Rakesh Sharma will perform Sufi songs and ghazals.
Kavita Krishnamurti to Headline Grand Finale
The festival will conclude on September 23 with performances by renowned and Padma Shri awardee singer Kavita Krishnamurti and singer Jaan Kumar Sanu.
The Chakradhar Samaroh is more than a cultural festival. It serves as an important platform to preserve and promote the artistic legacy of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh and Chhattisgarh's rich traditions of music and dance. The opportunity for local artists to share the stage with nationally and internationally recognised performers is among the festival's key attractions.
For 10 days, Raigarh will become a vibrant centre of Indian art and culture, bringing together classical dance, folk traditions, Pandavani, devotional music, ghazals and popular singing in a celebration of India's cultural diversity.
