Celebration of Talent, Tradition, and Creativity

A festival of colors, creativity, and culture: 'Aakar-2026' concludes 1281 participants trained in 16 disciplines, grand finale with colorful cultural presentations Imparting knowledge of culture, art, and folk traditions to the new generation is the need of the hour - Shri Brijmohan Agrawal Raipur, June 9, 2026. "Aakar-2026", the much-awaited art training camp of the Culture Department, a symbol of the wonderful confluence of Chhattisgarh's rich folk traditions, handicrafts, music, dance, and modern creativity, concluded with colorful cultural programs and spectacular performances by the participants. This 16-day training camp, organized from May 25 to June 9 at the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum premises, Raipur, saw 1281 participants from across the state receive training in 16 different art forms, giving a new direction to their talent. Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, Member of Parliament from Raipur Lok Sabha constituency, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. On this occasion, President of Sahitya Akademi Shri Shashank Sharma, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Rajbhasha Ayog Shri Prabhat Mishra, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Ms. Mona Sen, Director of Culture and Archaeology Department Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, and Deputy Director Shri Pratap Chandra Parakh, along with a large number of art lovers, trainees, and guardians, were present. In his address, Chief Guest MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal said that he had started the "Aakar" training camp in 2004 when he was the Minister of Culture. He said that this initiative was started with the objective of keeping Chhattisgarh's art, culture, and folk traditions alive and to give them national and international recognition. He said that considering its popularity, such events should be organized in all divisions of the state. Permanent sales centers should also be developed for Chhattisgarh's traditional jewelry and handicrafts, so that artists can get economic benefits and people can see and buy Chhattisgarh's jewelry and handicrafts. Shri Agrawal emphasized the need to connect children with soil and nature, saying, "The day children learn to connect with the soil and create from the soil, their lives will be filled with joy and sensitivity. Imparting knowledge of our culture, art, and folk traditions to the new generation is the need of the hour." In his welcome address, Dr. Sanjay Kannauje, Director of the Culture and Archaeology Department, said, "Aakar is not just a training camp, but a powerful medium to preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage, folk arts, handicrafts, and traditional knowledge. This program, organized continuously since 2004, is an important effort to develop creativity and cultural consciousness among the youth." He informed that the registration fee has been reduced from Rs 200 to Rs 100 to ensure maximum participation. Special concessions were also provided for specially-abled and orphaned children, so that all sections of society could get an opportunity to hone their talents. This year, "Aakar-2026" created a beautiful bridge between traditional folk arts and modern technology. While participants received training in disciplines such as Terracotta, Jute Craft, Godana Art, Rajwar Wall Painting, Mandala and Mandana Art, Bharthari Singing, and Kathak, they were also introduced to the latest techniques of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based art. At the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Shri Brijmohan Agrawal honored all the art gurus and instructors with merit certificates. The audience present on this occasion appreciated the contribution of the instructors and felicitated them. The cultural evening organized on the occasion of the closing ceremony filled the entire atmosphere with the colors of folk culture. The trained participants captivated the audience with their performances. Enchanting presentations of Suwa dance, Karma dance, Panthi dance, Bansgeet, Bharthari singing, and folk music kept the audience spellbound for a long time. Traditional costumes, the melodious sound of folk instruments, and the energy of the artists made the event memorable. Renowned art gurus of the state provided training in the camp. AI Art was trained by Shri Valkalpati Jessie, Clay & Texture Art by Ms. Alka Hanwat, Painting by Shri Rakesh Pujari, Bonsai Art by Shri Anil Verma, Bharthari Singing by Shri Pranjal Singh, Kathak Dance by Shri Chiranjeev Haldhar, Mandala & Mandana Art by Mrs. Kavita Yadav, Rajwar Wall Painting by Mrs. Pratima Dahadwal, Jute & Godana Craft by Mrs. Kalpana Yadav, Traditional Jewellery Making & Wooden Tribal Art by Dr. Shubhra Mishra, Folk Dance & Folk Music by Shri Tejram Sahu, Embroidery & Craft Designing by Prem Lata Singh, Terracotta by Shri Vimal Phutan, Lippan Art & Pachwai Art by Nidhi Agrawal, Musical Instruments by Shri Rikhi Khatri, and Crochet Art by Seema Rayjada. "Aakar-2026" once again proved that Chhattisgarh's cultural heritage is not just a memory of the past, but also an inspiration for the future. The enthusiastic participation of 1281 participants, the guidance of experienced art gurus, and the performances steeped in folk culture transformed this event into a true confluence of color, creativity, and tradition. This event not only served as a platform for art training but also proved to be a successful endeavor to connect the new generation with its roots and take cultural pride to new heights.