CM announces annual grant of ₹10 lakh for organising Raavanbhatta Dussehra festival in Raipur
Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday attended the Vijayadashami celebrations at the historic Raavanbhatta Ground in Raipur and extended Dussehra greetings to the people of the state.
The Chief Minister said Vijayadashami conveyed the eternal message of the victory of righteousness over unrighteousness, truth over falsehood, justice over injustice and good over evil. The festival inspires people to embrace the values of truth, righteousness, justice and humanity in their lives, he said.
Sai observed that burning Ravana’s effigy every year would have real significance only if people also resolved to eliminate the Ravana within themselves in the form of lust, anger, arrogance and greed. Vijayadashami, he said, was an occasion for introspection and a reminder to overcome personal weaknesses and adopt virtuous conduct.
The Chief Minister noted that Raipur’s historic Raavanbhatta Ground had witnessed a glorious Dussehra tradition spanning nearly 170 years. Generations had celebrated Vijayadashami there with devotion, enthusiasm and joy. The ground was not merely a venue for Ravana Dahan but also an important centre of cultural heritage, social unity and collective faith, he said, appreciating the organising committee and everyone involved in sustaining the tradition.
On the occasion, Sai announced an annual grant of ₹10 lakh for organising the Raavanbhatta Dussehra festival. He said preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural traditions and heritage was a collective responsibility. Such events played an important role in connecting younger generations with their culture, traditions and values.
Chhattisgarh shares a deep bond with Lord Ram
The Chief Minister said Vijayadashami held special significance for Chhattisgarh because of the state’s close historical and spiritual association with Lord Shri Ram. Chhattisgarh is traditionally regarded as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Ram.
According to religious beliefs, Lord Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman spent a considerable period in the region during their exile. Consequently, memories of Lord Ram and his ideals remained deeply embedded in the state’s folk culture, social life and collective consciousness, Sai said.
He described Lord Ram’s life as an outstanding example of truth, dignity, patience, courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice. Despite facing numerous hardships during his exile, Lord Ram never abandoned the path of righteousness and truth.
Ravana possessed a vast army, immense strength and formidable weapons, yet Lord Ram defeated him through determination and the strength of righteousness. This, the Chief Minister said, demonstrated that even the greatest challenges could be overcome when the objective was just, the resolve firm and the path guided by truth.
Sai said the central message of Vijayadashami was that although the path of truth could be difficult, truth ultimately prevailed. Lord Ram’s battle against Ravana was not merely a war but a struggle to establish righteousness and human values against injustice, oppression and unrighteousness.
He added that a person’s true character was revealed during difficult circumstances. It was important to stand by truth and justice in times of crisis and conflict. The burning of the effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna alongside Ravana also conveyed that those who supported falsehood and injustice would ultimately face defeat, regardless of their power.
India’s resolve against terrorism and injustice
Sai said the message of Vijayadashami remained relevant beyond its mythological context. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India had demonstrated its determination and capability in confronting terrorism.
He described Operation Sindoor, conducted by the Indian armed forces, as a symbol of the country’s courage, valour and unwavering resolve against terrorism.
Whether represented by Ravana in mythology or by contemporary evils such as terrorism and injustice, such forces must be confronted through collective action, he said. Protecting truth and justice required firm determination and the united strength of society and the nation.
Ram Lalla temple symbolises India’s cultural pride
Referring to the grand Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, the Chief Minister said January 22, 2024, had become an unforgettable date in India’s history, marking a significant moment of faith, cultural pride and spiritual consciousness.
After centuries of anticipation, Ram Lalla was installed in the grand temple, symbolising the fulfilment of the faith, belief and collective resolve of millions of Indians, he said.
Sai said the Chhattisgarh government had launched the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, keeping in mind the deep devotion and emotional connection of the state’s people with Lord Ram.
Through the scheme, more than 49,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh had so far received the opportunity to visit Ayodhya and seek the blessings of Ram Lalla. The government was working to enable more devotees to experience this spiritual journey, he added.
CM urges people to overcome personal weaknesses
Appealing to the people of Chhattisgarh, Sai said Vijayadashami was not simply a festival of burning Ravana’s effigy but an opportunity to conquer personal weaknesses and embrace virtuous values.
He urged people to draw inspiration from Lord Ram’s ideals and strengthen the spirit of love, harmony, brotherhood, justice and service in society.
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh was entering a new phase of development, and it was essential to preserve the state’s culture, traditions and values while pursuing progress.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, everyone should contribute collectively to building a developed Chhattisgarh, he said.
Sai called upon citizens to resolve on Vijayadashami to follow the path of truth, service, good governance and public welfare and work towards building a prosperous, strong and developed state. He also prayed to Lord Ram for happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being for all residents and extended his Vijayadashami greetings once again.
Brijmohan Agrawal highlights Dussehra tradition
Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal said the Raavanbhatta Dussehra festival represented a glorious tradition spanning nearly 170 years and was organised annually by Dudhadhari Math.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to ensuring that India progressed while preserving its ancient heritage and cultural values. Agrawal also prayed to Goddess Durga and Lord Ram for happiness, prosperity and well-being for everyone.
MLA Sunil Soni, Anjay Shukla, Subhash Tiwari, Manoj Verma, Sushil Ojha, Umesh Gupta and Sanju Narayan were among those present. Office-bearers and members of the Public Dussehra Festival Committee and a large number of citizens also attended the celebrations.
