Mainpat festival to take Surguja’s culture to global stage:CM Sai

The three-day Mainpat Festival began with vibrant celebrations in Mainpat of Surguja district, with Vishnu Deo Sai asserting that the event will enhance the global visibility of Surguja’s rich culture and identity.Inaugurating the festival on Friday, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the people and described the festival as a significant platform to showcase the traditions, heritage and artistic talent of the region at the national and international levels. He said the event would provide opportunities for both local and visiting artists to present their cultural expressions before a wider audience.On the occasion, Sai announced Rs 1 crore for tourism development in Mainpat and declared the construction of a fully equipped bus stand in Sitapur. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 109 development works worth over Rs 523.20 crore in Surguja district, marking a major push to infrastructure and public facilities in the region.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guiding mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to building a developed Chhattisgarh in line with the vision of a developed India. He highlighted that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, more than 70 lakh women are receiving Rs 1,000 every month, with over Rs 15,000 crore already transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts.Sai also said that due to the firm resolve of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, the region is steadily moving towards freedom from Naxalism, and he saluted the courage and dedication of the state’s security forces.
The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome from members of the Tibetan community through the “Tashi Shopa” dance. He visited departmental stalls set up at the venue and distributed beneficiary-oriented materials under various public welfare schemes. The festival also featured colourful cultural performances by local artists.Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal said tourism in the state is witnessing steady growth under the Chief Minister’s leadership. He noted that the government is focusing on comprehensive development of tourist destinations, strengthening infrastructure and generating new employment avenues. Increasing tourist footfall at scenic locations like Mainpat, he said, is creating self-employment opportunities for local youth and women.MLA Ram Kumar Toppo described the festival as a celebration of Surguja’s rich traditions and natural beauty, while MLA Prabodh Minj said development works worth over Rs 500 crore announced on the occasion would significantly expand basic facilities and accelerate tourism activities in the region.
Development Works Worth Over Rs 523 Crore
During the festival, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for 81 works worth around Rs 429.11 crore and inaugurated 28 completed projects estimated at approximately Rs 94.09 crore, taking the total value of development initiatives launched to Rs 523 crore 20 lakh 53 thousand.