Chakradhar Festival 2025: An Enchanting Evening of Classical Dance and Music

Raipur, Aug 2025 : On the second day of the 40th Chakradhar Festival being held in Raigarh, renowned artists from across the country mesmerized the audience with their extraordinary performances. The evening was adorned with a rich blend of classical vocal music, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and folk singing.

From Delhi, eminent classical vocalist Pandit Uday Kumar Mallik captivated listeners with his soulful rendition in the Dhrupad style, a tradition of the Darbhanga Gharana. His resonant and melodious notes left music lovers deeply moved.

Noted Bharatanatyam dancer and guru Dr. Rakhi Roy from Bhilai, along with her troupe, showcased the traditional grandeur, deep expressions, and rhythmic brilliance of Bharatanatyam. Their performances on themes like Lord Shiva’s Nataraja form, Ardhanarishvara, and Mother Goddess enthralled the audience.

Renowned Kathak exponent from Bilaspur, Mrs. Priyanka Saluja, impressed the spectators with her graceful expressions, rhythmic precision, and emotive storytelling.

Carrying forward the tradition of folk music, popular Chhattisgarhi folk singer Mr. Sunil Manikpuri presented melodious Chhattisgarhi and Jharkhandi folk songs, adding a regional flavor to the festival.

Young Odissi dancer from Raigarh, Ms. Rajnandini Patnaik, along with her companion Poonam Gupta, performed a heartfelt and captivating Odissi recital. Similarly, Raigarh’s Kathak dancer Pooja Jain and her troupe presented Jaipur Gharana’s tode-tukde, Lucknow Gharana’s tarana, and thumri, filling the atmosphere with musical charm.

The wide spectrum of classical music and dance performances elevated the grandeur of the Chakradhar Festival, offering the audience an unforgettable cultural experience.