“Lord Ram’s Exile in Chhattisgarh Shaped His Character”: CM Bhupesh Baghel at National Ramayana Festival

Raipur: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel while addressing the National Ramayana Festival, highlighted the significance of Lord Shri Ram’s connection with Chhattisgarh.

According to him, Lord Ram spent 10 years of his exile in Chhattisgarh, where he faced numerous hardships while upholding his moral values and dignity. The CM emphasized the role of Chhattisgarh in Lord Ram’s character development, as he encountered important figures like Nishadraj, Shabri Mata, and sages during his exile.

The National Ramayana Festival, a three-day event, was inaugurated by the CM at Raigarh’s historic Ramleela Maidan. The festival in Chhattisgarh serves as a platform to celebrate Lord Ram’s journey, promote cultural exchange, and honour the values he embodied during his time in the state.

Baghel mentioned that Chhattisgarh is known as the land of Mata Kaushalya and Mata Shabri, and as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, Shri Ram is regarded as ‘Bhancha’ (nephew) in Chhattisgarh. The festival is not only a national event but also international, with participation from foreign teams such as Cambodia and Indonesia.

The CM observed a beautiful march past at the festival, including the ‘Ramnami Sampraday Ka Ram,’ who dedicate their lives to Lord Ram and believe in the formless, similar to Kabir. He expressed that Shri Ram’s story holds a special place in the hearts of the people, with every village in Chhattisgarh having its own Ramleela mandali.

In an effort to facilitate pilgrims from Chhattisgarh, the CM has written to the Chief Ministers of pilgrimage site states, requesting 2 acres of land for accommodations. Additionally, Chhattisgarh is developing its own pilgrimage sites to enhance facilities for visitors from other states. Lord Ram’s profound connection with nature and forest dwellers during his exile is highlighted in the Ramayana.

The Chief Minister mentioned the National Tribal Festival, an initiative to promote tribal culture, and efforts to protect Devgudis and Ghotuls. Raigarh, known for its rock paintings and cultural heritage, has made significant progress in the field of art. The conservation of Kelo, a significant site, is also a focus.

Chhattisgarh Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat expressed pride in organizing the event, which showcases the ideal character of Lord Ram based on the Aranyakand of Ramayana. School Education Minister Premsai Singh Tekam highlighted the inspirational aspects of the Ram Katha and encouraged following Lord Ram’s ideals. Higher Education Minister Umesh Patel praised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for his efforts in developing places associated with Lord Ram through the Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit Development Plan.

Collective Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa Organized

The event included a Collective Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa, led by Bhajan Singer Dilip Shadangi, in which Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and thousands of spectators participated with devotion. The march past featured teams from different states and countries, including Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Ramnami sect. Various states, such as Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, showcased their performances. The event has attracted artists from 12 states, including 70 artists from Chhattisgarh and 27 artists from abroad.