In a vibrant celebration of culture and progress, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurated the three-day Mainpat Festival 2026 in Surguja district’s Mainpat on Friday. The event, pulsating with local traditions, drew crowds eager for a showcase of the region’s rich heritage.
Extending warm greetings to attendees, CM Sai announced significant investments to elevate tourism. He allocated ₹1 crore for Mainpat’s tourism development and promised a fully equipped bus stand in Sitapur. These initiatives aim to enhance visitor experiences and infrastructure in this scenic hill station.
The Chief Minister went further, unveiling 109 development projects worth ₹523.20 crore across Surguja. Speaking to the enthusiastic gathering, he emphasized the festival’s role in promoting Surguja’s cultural identity. ‘This platform will introduce our traditions to the nation and the world,’ he declared, highlighting opportunities for local and visiting artists to shine.
Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ Sai reaffirmed commitments to a developed Chhattisgarh. He spotlighted the Mahtari Vandan scheme, through which over 70 lakh women receive ₹1,000 monthly, totaling more than ₹15,000 crore disbursed. The region, once plagued by Naxalism, is now witnessing peace thanks to strong leadership and the valor of state forces, he noted with pride.
The inauguration featured a heartfelt welcome by Tibetan communities with the traditional Tashisho Pa dance. CM Sai toured stalls showcasing government schemes, distributing benefits to eligible beneficiaries amid captivating cultural performances by local artists.
Tourism Minister Rajesh Agarwal praised the CM’s leadership for steady growth in the sector. Efforts focus on upgrading tourist sites, strengthening infrastructure, and creating jobs, especially for youth and women in areas like Mainpat, blessed with natural beauty.
Local legislators Ram Kumar Toppo and Prabodh Minj hailed the event as a tribute to culture, traditions, and nature. They celebrated the over ₹500 crore in projects that will bolster facilities and boost tourism. Among the announcements: foundation stones for 81 projects costing ₹429.11 crore and inauguration of 28 projects worth ₹94.09 crore.
As the festival unfolds, it promises not just entertainment but a catalyst for Surguja’s brighter future, blending heritage with modernity.