Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lights the ceremonial lamp at the Pandwani Mahasammelan in Banbarad, Durg district, on Saturday, 24 October 2026, as School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, MLA Rikesh Sen, Padma Shri Dr Usha Barle and other dignitaries look on.: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
At the Pandwani Mahasammelan in Banbarad, Chief Minister announces plans for Ganiyari arts village, a school upgrade and road construction while reaffirming support for Chhattisgarh’s cultural traditions.
Key Highlights
- Folk art award named after Teejan Bai to be presented from this year’s Rajyotsav.
- Ganiyari to be developed as an arts village, with steps to name its high school after her.
- Seventy participating cultural troupes to receive ₹25,000 each.
- Banbarad Middle School to be upgraded to a high school.
- Bituminous road to connect Ahiwara railway crossing with Atal Parisar.
- Chief Minister praises Gyan Shrot Kala Manch’s 46 years of cultural service.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that a folk art award named after Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai will be presented from this year’s Rajyotsav, while her native village, Ganiyari, will be developed as an arts village. Addressing the Pandwani Mahasammelan at Banbarad in Durg district’s Ahiwara Assembly constituency on Saturday, 24 October 2026, he also announced ₹25,000 each for 70 participating cultural troupes, the upgradation of Banbarad Middle School and construction of a road from Ahiwara railway crossing to Atal Parisar.
Folk Arts Reflect Chhattisgarh’s Identity
Welcoming artists from across the state to the gathering organised to mark International Artist Day, Sai described Chhattisgarh as a land of rich folk art and cultural traditions.
“Our folk arts are living expressions of our history, values and cultural identity. Preserving them and passing them on to the next generation is a responsibility we all share,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the government was continuously working to preserve and promote traditional art forms, encourage performers and provide them with wider platforms. Chhattisgarh, he added, had produced numerous distinguished artists whose talent and dedication had brought its culture recognition across India and abroad.
Preserving Teejan Bai’s Cultural Legacy
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receives a ceremonial mace and saffron shawl during his felicitation at the Pandwani Mahasammelan in Banbarad, Durg district, on Saturday, 24 October 2026, with School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav and other dignitaries present. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Recalling Teejan Bai’s contribution, Sai said her exceptional dedication had established Pandwani’s distinctive identity internationally.
He described Pandwani as a unique folk tradition in which artists bring the Mahabharata and its characters alive through singing, acting, gestures and emotional expression.
“Teejan Bai took this remarkable folk tradition to stages across the world through her extraordinary dedication to her art, bringing pride to Chhattisgarh,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government’s initiatives would help preserve her legacy and introduce future generations to her contribution.
“Ganiyari will be developed as an arts village, and steps will be initiated to name its high school after Teejan Bai. A folk art award in her name will be presented from this year’s Rajyotsav,” Sai said.
He added that the award would honour her artistic achievement while inspiring the state’s folk performers to carry their traditions forward.
Recognition for 46 Years of Cultural Service
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai humbly accepts a large floral garland with folded hands as organisers greet him at the Pandwani Mahasammelan in Banbarad, Durg district, on Saturday, 24 October 2026.. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Sai praised Gyan Shrot Kala Manch for its sustained work in protecting and promoting folk culture.
“For an organisation to work continuously for 46 years to preserve folk art and culture is a significant achievement in itself,” he said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the organisation’s role in keeping traditional art forms alive, providing opportunities for performers and connecting younger generations with their cultural roots.
He congratulated Padma Shri Dr Usha Barle and everyone associated with the organisation on conducting the Mahasammelan.
₹25,000 Each for Participating Troupes
Responding to the organisers’ demand, the Chief Minister announced an incentive of ₹25,000 for each of the 70 participating cultural troupes.
The participants included Pandwani performers, four Panthi troupes and three tribal dance troupes, bringing together different expressions of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage.
Film Initiatives to Create Opportunities
Sai said the government was also working to expand opportunities for local artists and the film industry.
“The Chhattisgarh Film Development Board has been constituted to provide a wider platform for Chhattisgarhi cinema and local artists. Work is also underway towards developing a film city in Nava Raipur,” he said.
These initiatives, he added, would encourage Chhattisgarhi cinema and other film production activities, creating employment and creative opportunities for artists and young people.
School Upgrade and Road Announced
Addressing demands concerning local education and infrastructure, Sai announced the upgradation of Banbarad Middle School to a high school.
He also announced construction of a bituminous road from Ahiwara railway crossing to Atal Parisar.
Folk Traditions Are the State’s Cultural Soul: Gajendra Yadav
School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav said artists had played an important role in advancing Chhattisgarh’s culture.
He described Pandwani, Panthi, Bharthari, Dadariya and Suwa as integral to the state’s life and social traditions.
“These are not merely songs and dances; they are the cultural soul of Chhattisgarh,” Yadav said, urging performers to sustain the Mahasammelan’s tradition with the same enthusiasm.
Artists’ Demands Presented
MLA Rikesh Sen also addressed the programme. In her welcome address, Padma Shri Dr Usha Barle drew the Chief Minister’s attention to various demands concerning artists.
Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Ishwar Sahu, other public representatives, folk artists from across the state and a large number of citizens attended the gathering.
