Raipur, Oct 31: Three-day Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav-2026 begins on 1 November 2026, at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Industry and Trade Complex (Mela Ground) in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar to mark the 26th formation day anniversary of the state. Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the celebrations as the chief guest, setting off a statewide showcase of cultural heritage and developmental milestones under the core theme “Sashakt Nari, Yuva Udan” (Empowered Woman, Youth Flight).

The three-day festival highlights women’s economic independence and emerging livelihood avenues for the youth. Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka will preside over the second-day events on 2 November, while Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah will address the grand closing ceremony as chief guest on 3 November. District-level celebrations will also take place across all district headquarters statewide on 2 November.

More than 45 stalls, including nearly 30 departmental exhibits and 15 institutional pavilions, showcase traditional ornaments, artistic temple motifs, and folk art. Major highlights comprise departmental development displays, folk performances, shows by national artists, and an air show by the Indian Air Force Sarang team.

The Shilpgram venue features traditional Dhokra (bell metal) craft and decorative artifacts. The Forest and Climate Change Department highlights peace, expanding tourism, employment generation, and wildlife conservation initiatives in Naxal-affected districts under the “Badalta Bastar-Samwarta Chhattisgarh” theme.

The exhibits display models of Kanger Valley jungle safari, Puspal valley stargazing in Kondagaon, Mattimarka in Indravati Tiger Reserve, and Tungal dam in Sukma. Community-based ecotourism, such as Dhurmaras Dhurwa home stay and Devgudi conservation, emphasizes Bastar’s culture-driven livelihoods.

Exhibits feature the return of blackbuck to Barnawapara after decades, vulture conservation in Aurapani, and protection measures at the state’s first Ramsar site, Kopra reservoir. Visitors can also explore details on state symbols, including the wild buffalo as state animal, sal as state tree, hill myna as state bird, and the orange oakleaf butterfly as state butterfly.