Kumar Bahukhandi
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Pledges Global Recognition for Ramgarh’s Heritage: Chief Minister Sai, accompanied by ministers and senior officials, attends the grand closing ceremony of Ramgarh Mahotsav 2026 in Surguja on June 30, 2026 . During the event, he announced ₹1 crore for Ramgarh’s development, declared the formation of the Udaipur-Doomardih Nagar Panchayat, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting Ramgarh’s rich historical, cultural and archaeological legacy on the global stage.
Ramgarh Mahotsav 2026 concludes on a grand note; Udaipur-Doomardih Nagar Panchayat announced, six Pahadi Korwa children enrolled in school, tourism influencers felicitated
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday June 30, 2026 reaffirmed the Chhattisgarh government’s commitment to securing national and international recognition for Ramgarh’s rich historical, cultural and archaeological heritage while addressing the grand closing ceremony of the two-day Ramgarh Mahotsav 2026 in Surguja district.
Describing Ramgarh as a living symbol of Chhattisgarh’s glorious traditions, faith, history and cultural consciousness, the Chief Minister said the region is not merely a venue for a cultural festival but an invaluable treasure of India’s civilisational heritage. He noted that references to Ramgarh in ancient texts underline its enduring historical significance.
Referring to local traditions, Sai said Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakshman are believed to have spent part of their exile in the region during the Treta Yuga, making the Sitabengra Cave a revered site of faith. He highlighted that Sitabengra is regarded as one of India’s earliest theatres, while the nearby Jogimara Cave, known for its ancient mural paintings, and the natural rock formation Hathipol stand as enduring symbols of India’s artistic and cultural legacy. He also recalled the literary association of the region with poet Kalidasa and his celebrated work Meghadutam.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to preserving and promoting Ramgarh, Sitabengra and Jogimara as world-class heritage destinations. Tourist facilities are being expanded to attract visitors from across India and abroad, while future editions of the Ramgarh Mahotsav will be organised on an even grander scale.
Announcing a major development package, Sai sanctioned ₹1 crore for the development of Ramgarh and also declared that Udaipur and Doomardih would be merged to form a Nagar Panchayat, fulfilling a long-standing public demand.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the Chief Minister said projects worth over ₹2,387 crore have been approved in Surguja district over the past two-and-a-half years. He said 18 lakh families have been sanctioned houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with nearly 1,600 houses being completed every day across the state.
Sai also highlighted key welfare initiatives, including procurement of paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, payment of pending bonuses to 13 lakh farmers, monthly financial assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, and the expanded Teerth Darshan Scheme covering 19 major pilgrimage destinations. He added that recruitment drives are underway across departments and that the recently launched Chief Minister’s Helpline is ensuring faster grievance redressal.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resolve and the courage of security forces for significant progress in the fight against Left Wing Extremism in Bastar. He added that rehabilitated former extremists and families belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are also being provided housing.
In a heartwarming gesture, Sai formally enrolled six children from the Pahadi Korwa community in school, presenting them with school bags, water bottles and study materials while wishing them success in their education.
He also felicitated tourism influencers who travelled across Surguja between June 26 and June 30 to produce documentaries showcasing the district’s tourism potential.
Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal described the Ramgarh Mahotsav as an important platform for preserving Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations to reconnect with their roots. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said the nearly five-decade-old festival continues to celebrate the region’s historical, mythological and archaeological significance.
The closing ceremony was attended by legislators Prabodh Minj, Ramkumar Toppo, Shakuntala Porte and Uddeshwari Paikra, Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Chairman Vishva Vijay Singh Tomar, senior officials, public representatives and a large number of citizens.
