Chhattisgarh’s picturesque Mainpat came alive as Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai launched the Mainpat Festival 2026, a three-day extravaganza in Surguja district. Friday’s opening ceremony marked a milestone with announcements poised to transform the area.
Congratulating participants, Sai prioritized tourism by sanctioning ₹1 crore for Mainpat’s upkeep and a modern bus stand in Sitapur. These steps are designed to attract more visitors to the ‘Shimla of Chhattisgarh.’
In a major boost, the CM dedicated 109 projects totaling ₹523 crore 20 lakh, including inaugurations and groundbreakings. Addressing the crowd, he described the festival as a vital stage for Surguja’s cultural resurgence. ‘Artists from near and far will showcase their talents, putting our heritage on the global map,’ Sai stated.
Aligning with PM Modi’s inclusive development mantra, the state is marching towards a ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh.’ The Mahtari Vandan initiative has empowered over 70 lakh mothers and sisters with monthly aid, channeling ₹15,000 crore into their accounts. Sai also saluted the security forces for liberating the region from Naxal threats in just two years.
The event’s highlight was a traditional Tibetan welcome dance for the CM, followed by his inspection of welfare scheme stalls and distribution of aid. Cultural shows by local talents added color to the proceedings.
Minister Rajesh Agarwal underscored tourism’s upward trajectory under Sai’s guidance, with focus on infrastructure and employment generation. Mainpat’s rising popularity is creating self-employment avenues for locals.
MLAs Ram Kumar Toppo and Prabodh Minj lauded the festival as a celebration of pride, nature, and progress. The ₹523 crore package includes 81 new projects (₹429 crore) via foundation laying and 28 completions (₹94 crore).
This festival isn’t merely a gathering; it’s a launchpad for sustainable growth, weaving Surguja’s past into a prosperous tomorrow.