Kudargarh Festival: A Unique Confluence of Faith, Devotion, and Tradition – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Kudargarh Temple Dham Included in ‘PRASAD Scheme’: Central Government Support for Development

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the Kudargarh Festival is a unique confluence of faith, devotion, and tradition. He emphasized that the state government is making systematic efforts to promote tourism in Chhattisgarh. At the state government’s request, the central government has included Kudargarh Temple Dham—one of the region’s most significant religious sites—under the ‘PRASAD’ scheme. This inclusion will ensure central assistance for the development of the temple and surrounding areas. The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the Kudargarh Festival organized during Chaitra Navratri in Surajpur district.

New Ropeway and Hospital Announced at Kudargarh Dham

Chief Minister Sai laid the foundation stone for a ropeway to be constructed at Kudargarh Dham, which is expected to be completed within two years. On this occasion, he also made several key development announcements, including:

• ₹50 lakh for the construction of an administrative building
• ₹50 lakh for a fully equipped community hall
• ₹50 lakh for the construction of stairs and a drinking water system at the Garhwatia Mata Temple
  In total, he announced development works worth ₹1.5 crore. An agreement was also signed for the ropeway construction. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of a hospital at the dham to provide better healthcare services to pilgrims and local residents.

Foundation Stones and Inauguration of Projects Worth Over ₹105 Crore

CM Sai prayed to Mata Kudargarhi for the peace, prosperity, and welfare of the state and extended greetings for Chaitra Navratri. On this occasion, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 43 development projects worth over ₹105 crore. He also flagged off the “Good Governance Rath” for the Bhatgaon Assembly constituency, which will promote awareness of state government schemes.

₹148 Crore Sanctioned for Bhoramdeo Temple Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Chief Minister stated that the state is actively promoting religious tourism. At the state’s request, the Union Government approved ₹148 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the development of the famous Bhoramdeo Temple in Chhattisgarh. A special initiative is underway to develop five major Shaktipeeths in the state—Kudargarh (Surajpur), Chandrahansini (Chandrapur), Maa Mahamaya (Ratanpur), Maa Bamleshwari (Dongargarh), and Maa Danteshwari (Dantewada)—similar to the Char Dham circuit. The Tirth Darshan Yojana has also been re-launched by the state government, offering pilgrimage benefits to senior citizens above 60 years of age, widows, abandoned women, and persons with disabilities.

CM Sai added that over 22,000 devotees have availed of the Shri Ram Lalla Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana. During the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a Chhattisgarh pavilion was set up, where pilgrims from the state were provided with free food and lodging facilities.

Efforts to Make Chhattisgarh Naxal-Free

Highlighting the government’s efforts to make the state Naxal-free, CM Sai noted that rehabilitation and inclusive development are being prioritized in Naxal-affected areas. Basic amenities like education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and drinking water are being extended to remote regions. Employment initiatives are also being expanded. Under the Niyad Nellanar Scheme in Bastar, both state and central schemes are benefiting villagers in affected areas. Major cultural events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum are also being organized to foster community engagement.

Cultural Glimpses at the Festival’s Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony beautifully showcased Chhattisgarh’s rich folk culture. Devotional music moved the audience and filled the atmosphere with a spiritual aura. Bhajans dedicated to Mata Kudargarh added to the festive spirit. The Chief Minister visited stalls set up by various departments, reviewed ongoing schemes, and distributed beneficiary kits to eligible individuals.

Notable Dignitaries Present

Among the dignitaries present were Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, MP Chintamani Maharaj, MLAs Bhulan Singh Maravi, Shakuntala Porte, and Rajni Shankar Tripathi, and Kudargarh Dham Trust Chairman Ramshewak Paikra. They extended their best wishes for Navratri and commended the ropeway project as a historic step forward.