Kumar Bahukhandi
Members of the Bastar Goncha Mahaparv Organising Committee present the official invitation to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence, inviting him to participate in the 619-year-old cultural festival on Saturday July 11, 2026 -Photo Credit channel24india.com via CMO
In Short
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai invited to Bastar Goncha Mahaparv-2026.
- CM fired the ceremonial ‘Tupki’ as a symbolic salute to Lord Jagannath.
- Organisers lauded the underground cabling of power lines in Jagdalpur for ensuring a hassle-free Rath Yatra.
- The 619-year-old Bastar Goncha Mahaparv is being celebrated from June 29 to July 25, 2026.
- The grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath will be held on July 16.
Chief Minister Honours Jagannath Tradition with Ceremonial ‘Tupki’ Salute; Jagdalpur’s Underground Power Cabling Praised Ahead of Historic Rath Yatra
Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s centuries-old cultural legacy took centre stage as a delegation of the Bastar Goncha Mahaparv Organising Committee called on Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence yesterday on Saturday July 11, 2026 to formally invite him to the Bastar Goncha Mahaparv-2026, one of the state’s most revered religious and cultural festivals.
Accepting the invitation, the Chief Minister conveyed his best wishes for the grand success of the festival and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Bastar’s rich cultural traditions. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the unique customs of Bastar, Shri Sai fired the ceremonial ‘Tupki’ (traditional wooden firearm) as a salute to Lord Shri Jagannath, celebrating the distinct identity of the centuries-old festival.
The interaction underscored the government’s emphasis on promoting indigenous traditions while strengthening infrastructure to facilitate the smooth conduct of major cultural events.
Underground Power Cables Transform Rath Yatra Preparations
Members of the organising committee thanked the Chief Minister for the state’s decision to shift electricity lines underground in Jagdalpur, describing it as a landmark step that has eliminated recurring power-related obstacles during the annual Rath Yatra.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performs the ceremonial ‘Tupki’ salute to Lord Jagannath after accepting the invitation for Bastar Goncha Mahaparv-2026, reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving Bastar’s rich cultural heritage-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CMO
According to the delegation, the project has significantly improved safety and logistics, ensuring an uninterrupted route for the majestic chariot procession of Lord Jagannath and enhancing the experience for thousands of devotees expected to participate this year.
A 619-Year-Old Tradition Continues
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ved Prakash Pandey, President of the 360 Ghar Aranyak Brahmin Society, said the Bastar Goncha Mahaparv continues an unbroken tradition spanning 619 years, making it one of India’s oldest continuously celebrated Jagannath festivals.
The festival is being observed from June 29 to July 25, 2026, while the grand Rath Yatra of Lord Shri 1008 Jagannath Mahaprabhu will commence from the historic Shri Jagannath Temple on July 16. The procession will culminate at Sirhasar Bhavan (Janakpuri), where the deity will remain during the customary stay before the return journey.
The festival is not merely a religious celebration but a vibrant expression of Bastar’s tribal ethos, spiritual heritage, and communal harmony, drawing devotees and visitors from across Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Cultural Heritage
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated that preserving Chhattisgarh’s traditional festivals is integral to safeguarding the state’s cultural identity. He said such events strengthen social harmony while also contributing to tourism, local livelihoods, and the preservation of age-old customs passed down through generations.
The meeting was attended by Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Organising Committee President Muktesh Pandey, and several members of the Bastar Goncha Mahaparv Organising Committee.
