Chhattisgarh turns 26; Mandaviya to open three-day Rajyotsav in Nava Raipur, Shah to close it

Chhattisgarh turns 26 today, and the state is marking the day with a three-day Rajyotsav in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The festival runs from Sunday to Tuesday at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Industry and Trade Complex, the Mela Ground of the new capital.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is the chief guest at the opening today, and playback singer Palak Muchhal performs in the evening. The state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000.

This year’s theme is “Sashakt Nari, Yuva Udaan”, roughly Empowered Women, Youth Soaring High. The organisers say it reflects the state’s focus on economic self-reliance for women and new livelihoods for young people. The ground will host exhibitions on development schemes, handicraft stalls, folk performances and a Shilpgram, or craft village.

Each evening follows the same pattern: local artists at 4 pm, state-level artists at 7 pm and national performers at 8 pm.

Governor, air show and Shah

On Monday, Governor Ramen Deka will preside over the programmes, and celebrations will also be held at every district headquarters. The Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team will fly five indigenous Dhruv helicopters over Sendh Lake at 11 am, led by Group Captain Abhijit Kumar. The team includes two women pilots, Squadron Leaders Ankita and Akshayaa. Singer Swasti Mehul performs that night.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the closing ceremony on Tuesday, when Abhijeet Bhattacharya is due to sing.

Chhattisgarh shares its foundation day with Madhya Pradesh, from which it was formed, as well as Karnataka, Keralam and Haryana, all of which mark their formation on 1 November.