Chakradhar Festival 2025: A Colorful Blend of Rhythm, Melody, and Ghungroos, Mallakhamb Troupe Steals the Show

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale: Chakradhar Festival is Gaining Global Recognition

Raipur, Sept 2025 : The eighth day of the internationally acclaimed Chakradhar Festival 2025 was filled with a unique confluence of cultural performances and folk-classical arts. At the Ramleela Ground, the evening of rhythm, melody, verse, and ghungroos mesmerized the audience, elevating the festival’s prestige to new heights.

The program was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, who offered prayers to Lord Ganesha, paid floral tributes to King Chakradhar’s portrait, and lit the ceremonial lamp. In his address, Athawale said that “Raja Chakradhar Singh is not only the pride of Raigarh but of the entire nation. He was a great ruler, social reformer, and music devotee. He worked for the upliftment of the poor, farmers, laborers, and tribal communities, while giving Kathak a new dimension and establishing the ‘Raigarh Gharana.’ Today, his musical legacy is being honored not only in India but across the globe.”

The event was also graced by Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh, Raigarh Mayor Jivardhan Chauhan, and many other public representatives and dignitaries.

Mallakhamb Troupe from Abujhmad – The Star Attraction

The highlight of the eighth day was the famous Mallakhamb troupe from Abujhmad, whose breathtaking performances thrilled the audience, filling the venue with applause.

Renowned artists from across India also showcased their talent—Raipur’s Ashika Singhal, Sangeeta Kapse’s Sangeeta Kala Academy troupe, Devika Dixit from Durg, Vasanti Vaishnav and team from Bilaspur, Nilangi Kalantere from Jabalpur, and Dr. Lakshmi Narayan Jena from Bengaluru all presented captivating Kathak performances. Raipur’s Ajit Kumari Kujur impressed with Bharatanatyam, while Mumbai’s Arnav Chatterjee enchanted the audience with melodious singing.

A special poetry evening in memory of Padma Shri Dr. Surendra Dubey was also organized, where poets entertained with humor, valor, and satire, receiving long rounds of applause.

Strength, Balance, and Flexibility on Display

The festival reached an unforgettable moment when the Abujhmad Mallakhamb troupe, led by Manoj Prasad, took the stage. With discipline, tradition, and incredible balance, their performance electrified the audience.

Winners of India’s Got Talent Season 10 (2023), Narendra Gota and Phulsingh Salam, along with their teammates, presented awe-inspiring feats of Mallakhamb—blending strength, agility, and acrobatics atop the pole. Their display proved how raw talent from remote tribal regions can shine on the world stage. Thousands of spectators gave them a standing ovation, calling them the pride of Chhattisgarh.

These performers have also represented India in international competitions, bringing glory to the nation.

Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy – Nurturing Tribal Talent

Behind this success is the Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy, established in 2018, which trains tribal children and provides them opportunities at national and international levels. To date, the academy has produced over 500 national medalists, with more than 50 children currently receiving both education and formal Mallakhamb training under one roof.

Their coach Manoj Prasad, through dedication, passion, and relentless effort, has enabled these children to shine on global platforms.