CHHATTISGARH FOUNDATION DAY

Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav (Chhattisgarh Foundation Day) is celebrated every year on 01 November to commemorate the official formation of the state in 2000. The then President of India, K. R. Narayanan (Kocheril Raman Narayanan), gave his assent to the formation of Chhattisgarh. On 25 August 2000, he gave his assent to the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, and the Government of India designated 01 November 2000 as the date on which Chhattisgarh would be separated from Madhya Pradesh.

History

The ancient mythological name associated with the region of Chhattisgarh is Dakshina Kosala, a name traditionally linked with Goddess Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Shri Ram.

Rajyotsav is celebrated every year on 1 November to commemorate the formation of the state of Chhattisgarh in 2000, when it was officially separated from Madhya Pradesh and became the 26th state of India.

The demand for a separate state had continued for several decades, driven by Chhattisgarh's distinct cultural identity, predominantly tribal population, and aspirations for greater administrative autonomy. Following the implementation of the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, the Government of India approved the reorganisation of Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh was established as a new state with Raipur as its capital.

Since then, Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav has been celebrated every year with state-sponsored cultural programmes, exhibitions and award ceremonies, symbolising the state's heritage and its progress since its formation. and the state government has organised an annual festival beginning on 1 November in the capital city of Raipur and chhattisgarh's all districts .

Main State-Level Celebration

The main fair and cultural programme held in Nava Raipur generally continues for Three days, from 1 November to 3 November.

The Rajyotsav programmes represent a unique blend of Chhattisgarh's rich tribal culture, folk art and modern development.

The main celebration is organised at the Rajyotsav Ground, Tuta, Nava Raipur.

District-Level Celebrations

In other districts of Chhattisgarh, Rajyotsav celebrations are generally organised at the local level for two to three days.

The major programmes held during the festival can be divided into the following categories:

Cultural Programmes (Cultural Star Nights)

The evenings during Rajyotsav are highly vibrant and colourful. Along with local folk artists from Chhattisgarh, well-known Bollywood artists are also invited to perform.

State Award Ceremony (Rajya Alankaran Samaroh)

The State Award Ceremony is one of the most prestigious and important parts of Rajyotsav and is generally organised on the concluding day.

People from different fields such as agriculture, literature, sports, social service, tribal art and culture & Tourism who have made outstanding contributions are honoured with the Chhattisgarh State Awards, including awards such as the Gundadhur Award, Minimata Award and Chakradhar Award.

VIP dignitaries such as the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister or Governor may attend the ceremony as chief guests.

Grand Development Exhibitions

At the fairground, various government departments such as Tourism, Home, Agriculture, Forest, PWD, Women and Child Development, Industry and Education set up large domes and exhibition stalls.

These stalls showcase the government's welfare schemes and the development of Chhattisgarh's infrastructure through live models and digital displays.

Shilp Gram and Meena Bazaar (Crafts and Entertainment)

Shilp Gram

Artisans from Bastar showcase and sell their traditional products directly to visitors, including:

• Bastar Art
• Dhokra Craft
• Terracotta
• Bamboo Craft
• Kosa Silk
• Wrought Art
• Tumba Art
• Wooden Art

Food Court and Cuisine

The food courts attract large crowds with traditional Chhattisgarhi dishes such as:

• Chila
• Fara
• Muthiya
• Thethari
• Khurmi
• Tasmai
• Anarsa
• Bara
• Chausela Ect.

Meena Bazaar

Large amusement rides, exhibitions and commercial stalls are set up for the entertainment of children and families.

Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav Silver Jubilee – 2025

On 1 November 2025, Chhattisgarh completed 25 glorious years of statehood. The state government celebrated this milestone on a grand scale as the "Silver Jubilee Year."

The celebration was not merely a cultural festival but also a historic presentation of Chhattisgarh's 25-year journey of development and progress.

The major attractions and important details of the Silver Jubilee Rajyotsav were as follows:

1. Chief Guest

The historic celebration was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and other Cabinet ministers were also present.

2. Major Development Projects Announced on the Silver Jubilee

During the Prime Minister's visit, Chhattisgarh received development projects worth more than ₹14,260 crore, including the foundation stones and inaugurations of several major projects.

• New Assembly Building: The grand and state-of-the-art New Assembly Building in Nava Raipur was dedicated to the nation.
• Digital Tribal Museum: A Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum was inaugurated to preserve and showcase the rich tribal heritage and culture of the state.
• Health and Education: The foundation stones were laid for five new government medical colleges, and a pharmaceutical park was also launched. In addition, at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Child Heart Hospital, Prime Minister Modi met 2,500 children who had recovered from heart-related illnesses.

3. "25 Years of Development Journey" Exhibition

The government department stalls at the Rajyotsav Ground were especially significant during the Silver Jubilee celebration.

Through live digital and interactive models, the exhibitions showcased the transformation of Chhattisgarh from 2000, the year of state formation, to 2025.

4. Cultural Mahakumbh

The Silver Jubilee stage presented a spectacular display of Chhattisgarhi pride and cultural heritage.

• Traditional Welcome: More than 10 traditional tribal dance groups gave spectacular performances to welcome Prime Minister Modi.
• Digital Theatre: During all five days of the festival, the main stage presented traditional Chhattisgarhi folk arts such as Panthi, Karma, Sua and Raut Nacha, along with a modern laser show depicting the story of Chhattisgarh's 25-year journey.

The Silver Jubilee Year emerged as a symbol of Chhattisgarh's vision for a prosperous future and a self-reliant state.

 Thrilling Aerobatics Show

Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026: Indian Air Force to showcase its might in Nava Raipur; 'Sarang' helicopter and 'Akash Ganga' teams to perform thrilling aerobatics

Nava Raipur / Raipur: On the occasion of Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day (Rajyotsav 2026), residents of the capital city, Raipur, are set to witness an unprecedented and thrilling spectacle. The Indian Air Force's (IAF) renowned 'Sarang' helicopter aerobatic display team will showcase their aerial maneuvers across the skies of Nava Raipur.

Grand event at Sendh Lake on November 2

According to information released by the Raipur district administration, this grand air show will be held on November 2, 2026, around the Sendh Lake area in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. More than 100 officers and personnel from the Air Force are participating in the event.

Key Highlights:

• Sarang Helicopter Display: Utilizing India-made 'Dhruv' Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), six helicopters of the Sarang team will create the Tricolor and execute complex aerial formations in the sky.

• Akash Ganga Parachute Jump: Brave skydivers from the IAF's 'Akash Ganga' skydiving team will leap from thousands of feet in the air to thrill the spectators.