Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal Encourages Artists
Ambikapur, November 2026: A grand block-level tribal folk dance festival, ‘Karma Mahotsav’, was organised on Wednesday at the Literacy Mini Stadium in Lakhanpur, an Aspirational Block, as part of the Tribal Pride Week celebrations.
Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal attended the event as the chief guest. Amid the rhythmic beats of traditional Mandar drums and the sounds of Karma folk songs, artists dressed in colourful traditional attire captivated the audience with their performances. Minister Agrawal also joined the artists in performing the Karma dance, sharing their enthusiasm and celebrating tribal culture.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Agrawal said the folk art, culture and traditions of tribal communities were invaluable heritage of Chhattisgarh. It was the responsibility of everyone to preserve these rich traditions and pass them on to the younger generation, he said.
He added that such events provide tribal artists with a platform to showcase their talent while giving greater recognition to the state's cultural heritage. The minister encouraged the participating artists and congratulated the winning teams, presenting them with prizes.
A total of 12 dance groups from the Turna, Korja, Losga and Kevra sectors of Lakhanpur block participated in the festival and showcased their traditional art forms.
In the Karma dance competition, Jai Shiv Sharda Karma Party from Parsodi Kala secured first place, while the Adivasi Karma Dal from Piparkhar finished second.
In the folk dance competition organised under the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Folk Art Festival, Shaila Party from Taraju won first place.
The teams securing first positions will represent Lakhanpur block at the district-level competition.
Among those present at the event were Janpad Panchayat President Shashikala Vikram Singh, Nagar Panchayat President Savitri Dinesh Sahu, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ramraj Singh, Lakhanpur Janpad Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Khushboo Shastri, Sub-Divisional Officer of Rural Engineering Services (RES), the MGNREGA Programme Officer, the Aspirational Block Fellow, public representatives, government officials and employees, along with a large number of local residents.
