The town of Raigarh in Chhattisgarh has carved a niche for itself in the cultural scenario of the country. Several distinguished Kathak Dancers and Classical Musicians were born on this soil. Mentions worthy among them are Shree Firtu Maharaj and Vijaya Sharma and most importantly Maharaja Chakradhar Singh in whose memory the Chakradhar Festival is held in Chhattisgarh.
Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was the former king of Raigarh. He was also a great patron of music and dance. He could play the tabla and was a skilled dancer as well. In addition to that he wrote many books on music. The Chakradhar Samaraho in Raigarh is in honor and remembrance of this great man whose contribution is valued to this day.
The Chakradhar Festival is a result of the initiative taken by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra, two institutes dedicated to the promotion of music.
Each year, dancers and musicians from different parts of the country come to this Musical Festival in Chhattisgarh to display their talents. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to uphold their endowments. A visit to the Chakradhar Festival in Chhattisgarh will give you the wonderful opportunity to witness the programmes of several jewels at the same time. They all possess exceptional caliber and that is well manifested in their performances. Chhattisgarh Festivals like these reflect the rich cultural heritage of our country.
Folk artistes are also an integral part of this Musical Festival held in Chhattisgarh. The functions include memorable performances by the folk artistes as well. It would be no exaggeration to say that you will remain fastened to your seats when you watch the shows. They are thoroughly enjoyable and enthralling. You will be absorbed and transferred to a totally different world of dance and music. One’s interest in the field of performing arts will be all the more roused after a visit to the Chakradhar Festival in Chhattisgarh.
The Chakradhar Festival is celebrated each year at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi. The Hindu calendar is followed while fixing the date of this musical festival. It roughly corresponds to the months of September or October according to the Gregorian calendar.