Raipur. For the first time in the National Ramayana Festival being organized in Chhattisgarh, Ramayana ‘tableaux performance groups’ from all states and union territories have been invited. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has sent a letter to the Chief Ministers of all the states and the administrative heads of the Union Territories, asking them to participate in the National Ramayana Festival 2023, being organized in Chhattisgarh from June 1 to 3. requested.
CM Baghel has written in his letter that the grandeur and dignity of this National Ramayana Festival will increase with the participation of states and union territories. Mr. Baghel has also written in the letter that there will be competitive programs under the National Ramayana Festival. The theme of the dance drama to be presented will be based on the Aranya-kand of the epic Ramayana. The National Ramayana Festival is being organized at the historic Ramlila Maidan in Raigarh, the city of art and culture of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh is the only state where the temple of Mata Kaushalya
The Chief Minister has written in the letter that the state of Chhattisgarh is a state rich in religious and cultural heritage, which has a deep connection with Shri Ram, Mata Kaushalya and the epic Ramayana based on their lives. Our state has the special distinction of being the birthplace of Shri Ram’s mother Kaushalya. Mata Kaushalya was born in the then Dakshin Kosala, which is now in Chhattisgarh. Mata Kaushalya is known for her magnanimity, her knowledge and her affection towards Shriram. This is the reason why she is worshiped in many places as a symbol of motherhood. But the state of Chhattisgarh is the only state where a temple dedicated to Mata Kaushalya is established. This temple is situated at a place called Chandrakhuri in Raipur district.
Bhupesh Baghel has also mentioned in the letter that Lord Ram is the most revered deity in our country as well as abroad as a symbol of religion and virtue. The character of Shri Ram has always been portrayed as an ideal king, an ideal husband, an ideal brother and an ideal son. His actions in the Ramayana and his teachings have inspired generations since ancient times to walk and follow the path of morality.
Shriram had spent the time of exile on the banks of Shivnath and Mahanadi
The Chief Minister has written in the letter that Lord Ram spent about 10 years of his 14 years of exile mostly in Dandakaranya (mostly in present-day Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh also) and many stories related to the presence of Shri Ram in all the above places. are prevalent. In the context of the forest area of Chhattisgarh state located in central India, there is a belief that Shri Ram had spent a significant part of his exile period here. That’s why many temples and holy places dedicated to Shri Ram are located in this region. These places are also considered as pilgrimage sites. The region is also home to several tribal communities, who have preserved the traditions and culture of their forefathers for centuries. Shriram had spent most of his exile near the banks of Shivnath and Mahanadi, the two most important rivers of Chhattisgarh.
Shriram and Ramayana are integral part of our culture
Mr. Baghel has written that the state government is completely dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage of the state. Shriram and Ramayana are an integral part of our culture. As part of its continuous efforts to preserve its heritage and its relationship with Shriram, the Chhattisgarh government has undertaken the restoration work of the temple dedicated to Mata Kaushalya and the annual Kaushalya Mahotsav is also being celebrated. Along with this, the work of arranging the places related to Lord Shri Ram’s journey in sequence and recognizing them as ‘Ram Van Gaman Path’ is also being done by the state government. In this sequence, the first state level Ramayana Manas Mandali competition was organized by the state government from 8 to 10 April 2022 in a town called Shivrinarayan in district Janjgir-Champa and the second state level Ramayana Manas Mandali competition was organized from 16 to 18 February 2023 at Gariaband. Organized at Rajim in Distt. Foreign cultural troupes from Vietnam and Sri Lanka also gave their performances in this.
How long will the Ramayana festival be held?
The Chief Minister has written in the letter that in this sequence, our state is planning to organize National Ramayana Festival, which is proposed to be organized from June 1 to 3 at Ram Leela Maidan, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. This will be a kind of competition program, so we are feeling very happy to invite the delegation of Ramayana ‘Tableau Performance’ group from your state. The theme of the dance drama will be based on the Aranya Kand of the epic Ramayana. The Chief Minister has urged that the dignified presence of your state in the National Ramayana Festival will increase the grandeur and enthusiasm of the program.
