Lokrang Festival Swings to a High on Sarhul-Karma Beats, Finale Adorned with Folk Culture Colors

Lokrang Festival swayed on the beats of Sarhul and Karma, and the finale was decorated with the colors of folk culture. For the first time, Lokrang Festival showcased a captivating glimpse of tribal folk culture from the Sarguja-Jashpur region, and both Panti and Nacha-Gammat mesmerized the audience. Raipur, September 8, 2026. The third and final day of the three‑day Lokrang Festival, which provides a stage for Chhattisgarh’s rich folk traditions, arts and cultural heritage, was dedicated to the tribal folk culture of the Sarguja‑Jashpur region. For the first time on the Lokrang stage, the mesmerizing performance of the Sarhul and Karma dances of the Jashpur region attracted the audience. Traditional costumes, the sweetness of folk tunes and the artists’ energetic dance filled the atmosphere with enthusiasm and joy. The program featured Mr. Vijay Kumar Bhagat and a troupe from Jashpur presenting the Sarhul and Karma dances. These tribal folk dances, linked to tribal life, nature and community traditions, introduced the audience to the cultural diversity of Chhattisgarh’s tribal regions. The collective performance of the artists, traditional rhythm and striking costumes added special colour to the program. In addition, Dr. Ramanarayana Netam of Raipur presented tribal folk songs and dance. Mr. Navaldas Manikpuri from Durg contributed folk music, while Ms. Aarti Barle from Bilaspur delivered an energetic Panti dance that earned hearty applause. Ms. Ramadatta Joshi from Raipur’s Nacha‑Gammat performance added humor, entertainment and folk theatre colours, making the program even more lively. Folk arts on stage are our cultural responsibility: Dr. Kannauj. At the closing of Lokrang Festival, Director of Culture and Archaeology Dr. Sanjay Kannauj said that local artists from remote tribal regions of Chhattisgarh as well as various parts of the state gave splendid presentations of their folk arts. Such events play an important role in providing artists a platform to showcase talent and receive encouragement and respect. He said cultural events like Lokrang Festival are an effective means to preserve Chhattisgarh’s rich and vibrant folk culture and to convey it to the new generation. Through folk songs, dances, theatre and traditional arts, the youth connect with their roots and cultural heritage. Such events also encourage the preservation and promotion of endangered folk traditions while giving artists a stage. A Confluence of Diverse Heritage Colours at Lokrang. Over three days, Lokrang Festival gave a stage to diverse folk cultures, folk singing and dance traditions of various regions of Chhattisgarh. On the final day, presentations of Sarhul, Karma, tribal folk songs, Panti and Nacha‑Gammat conveyed that Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity lies in its diverse folk traditions. The program was attended by Director of Culture and Archaeology Dr. Sanjay Kannauj, poet Mir Ali Mir, senior journalist and photographer Mr. Deependra Diwan, writer Mr. Vijay Mishra, film board member Mrs. Prasanna Awasthi and social worker Mr. Udaybhan Chauhan. The final day of Lokrang Festival offered the audience an opportunity to experience up close the diversity and vibrancy of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture. The audience cheered the artists’ performances. The event provided a respectable platform for folk artists and delivered a meaningful message to preserve, polish and pass on Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions to future generations.