CM attends concluding ceremony of regional Karam Puja Festival in Bangaw village, offers prayers to Karam Raja and wishes prosperity and well-being for the state
Chief Minister joins dancers to the beats of the mandar; vibrant display of tribal culture witnessed with participation of over 6,000 people
Announcements include Rs 50 lakh for a community building and Rs 20 lakh for a CC road in Bangaw, along with mini stadiums in Akhra and Sahaspur
The glorious history of tribal communities is filled with unforgettable stories of valour, sacrifice and struggle: CM Sai
Young generation must remain connected to its cultural roots and traditions while embracing modern education and development: Chief Minister
Raipur, November 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday attended the concluding ceremony of the Regional Karam Puja Festival 2026, organised in Bangaw village in the Farsabahar development block of Jashpur district.
The Chief Minister performed the traditional worship of Karam Raja and prayed for the prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people of the state. He also lit lamps and paid his respects before portraits of Lord Mahadev, Goddess Parvati, Chhattisgarh Mahatari and Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The festival, celebrated with traditional enthusiasm, joy and devotion, showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of tribal communities. More than 6,000 members of the Oraon community, along with dance groups from different parts of the district, participated in the celebrations. Dressed in traditional attire, they performed group dances around Karam Raja to the rhythmic beats of the mandar, drums and other traditional musical instruments.
The Chief Minister also joined the dancers and participated in the traditional dance. He encouraged the performers and extended his greetings to everyone on the occasion of Karam Parab.
On the occasion, Sai announced several development initiatives for the region. These included Rs 50 lakh for the construction of a community building and Rs 20 lakh for a cement-concrete (CC) road in Bangaw village. He also announced the construction of an Akhra in Bangaw and a mini stadium in Sahaspur.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said Karam Parab represented the rich tribal culture, glorious traditions and invaluable heritage of ancestors. The festival reflected the deep faith, love and respect that communities have for nature.
“Our ancestors developed a way of life based on harmony with nature, and this tradition continues to inspire society even today. Karam Parab connects us with the values of environmental conservation, social unity, mutual brotherhood and community life,” he said.
Sai said the true identity of Chhattisgarh lay in its rich tribal culture, folk festivals, traditional arts and deep connection with nature. Tribal communities had preserved their distinctive cultural traditions across generations, and this heritage was an invaluable cultural asset whose protection and promotion was a collective responsibility.
He emphasised that preserving cultural identity was as important as embracing modernity and development. The younger generation must remain connected to its language, folk songs, dances, customs and traditional festivals so that the rich heritage could be passed on safely to future generations.
He added that such events strengthened social unity and familiarised young people with the knowledge, values and traditions of their ancestors.
Valour and sacrifice of tribal heroes form a glorious chapter in India's history
Referring to the proud history of tribal communities, the Chief Minister said tribal heroes had made an invaluable contribution to India's freedom struggle.
Great personalities such as Rani Durgavati, Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gundadhur, Gend Singh and Veer Budhu Bhagat had secured an enduring place in the country's history through their courage, struggles and sacrifices.
Sai said Bhagwan Birsa Munda had waged a historic struggle against British rule at the young age of just 25. Similarly, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh had arranged for grain to be taken from British warehouses and distributed among people suffering from famine and hunger.
For his efforts to help the needy and his fight against injustice, Veer Narayan Singh was sentenced to death by the British. The lives of these great tribal heroes, the Chief Minister said, continued to inspire courage, sacrifice and dedication to society.
Government bringing positive changes through implementation of Modi's Guarantees
Sai said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government was continuously working for the welfare of women, farmers, the poor, labourers and needy families. The government was prioritising the fulfilment of commitments made under Modi's Guarantees.
He said that ahead of Diwali, women across the state had received a major benefit under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The 33rd instalment of the scheme was released during the concluding ceremony of the Rajyotsav celebrations in the presence of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.
The Chief Minister said farmers' prosperity remained one of the government's highest priorities. Paddy was being procured from farmers at the rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, with a procurement limit of up to 21 quintals per acre. The government had also fulfilled its promise by paying pending bonuses to farmers.
Similarly, landless agricultural labourers were being provided financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually.
He said approximately 1,600 permanent houses were being constructed every day in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Through the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, more than 50,000 devotees had so far visited Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Shri Ramlala.
The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana was also providing senior citizens and eligible beneficiaries with opportunities to undertake free pilgrimages to major religious destinations.
Sai said significant successes had been achieved in the effort to eliminate Naxalism under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the firm resolve and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
With the courage and determination of security forces and the cooperation of the people of Bastar, the region was moving beyond the challenge of Naxalism towards a new era of peace, trust and development.
He added that a strong environment of peace and security was opening up new development opportunities in the state's remote and tribal regions.
Jashpur progressing rapidly in education, healthcare, sports and infrastructure
The Chief Minister said the state government was fully committed to the overall development of Jashpur district. Medical education had already commenced in the district.
A sports complex and an archery academy were being developed to encourage sporting talent and provide promising athletes with better opportunities to hone their abilities and advance their careers.
He also informed that the state's fifth 400 kV power substation was being established at Harradand in the Kunkuri development block. The project would strengthen the region's electricity infrastructure.
Work was also progressing on expanding roads, bridges, culverts, irrigation facilities and other basic infrastructure in the district.
Sai said the state government's commitment was to ensure that the benefits of development reached every village and the last person in Jashpur. The priority was to take the district to new heights through improvements in education, healthcare, employment, sports and infrastructure, while preserving tribal culture and traditions.
District Panchayat Vice-President Shaurya Pratap Singh Judev, Collector Rohit Vyas, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Lal Umed Singh, District Panchayat CEO Abhishek Kumar, Regional Karam Puja Festival President Ved Prakash Bhagat, Working President Balram Bhagat, and organising committee members Gulab Ram, Bodhsay Bhagat, Sanjay Nikunj and Devdutt Nikunj were among those present.
A large number of office-bearers of the Oraon community, public representatives and villagers also attended the event.
