Ramgarh is a wonderful confluence of culture, history, literature and tourism: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister inspected the ancient heritage of Sitabengra after reaching Ramgarh
Observed Jogi-Mara cave inscription and Hathipol
Our cultural heritage is an invaluable legacy for future generations - Chief Minister Shri Sai
Raipur, June 30, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today participated in the closing ceremony of the two-day "Ramgarh Mahotsav-2026" organized in Ramgarh, connected to the historic Ram Vanagaman Tourism Circuit in Udaipur development block of Surguja district. On this occasion, he inspected the Sitabengra cave, famous as the world's oldest theatre, and obtained information about its historical, cultural, and architectural features. Along with this, the Chief Minister also observed the ancient inscriptions in Jogi-Mara cave, murals, and the unique natural heritage of the region, Hathipol. On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, along with other public representatives and dignitaries were present.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Ramgarh is a living symbol of Surguja's thousands of years old cultural consciousness, art, faith, and glorious history. He said that this place, famous as the world's oldest theatre, is a wonderful confluence of culture, history, literature, and tourism. He said that the land of Chhattisgarh is not only rich in natural resources, but its cultural and archaeological heritage also holds a unique identity at the world level. Heritages like Ramgarh are invaluable treasures of our historical identity and cultural pride, whose preservation and promotion are our collective responsibility. He said that the state government is continuously working for the preservation, promotion, and development of these heritages as tourism, so that tourists coming from home and abroad can become acquainted with Chhattisgarh's rich cultural heritage and local people also get new opportunities for employment and livelihood.
It is noteworthy that the Sitabengra and Jogi-Mara caves, located on the western slope of Ramgarh mountain, are considered incomparable heritage of Indian history, architecture, inscriptions, and painting. It is believed that the great poet Kalidasa composed his timeless work "Meghadutam" in these hills, which begins with "Ashadhasya Pratham Divase". With the objective of keeping this historical and literary memory intact, Ramgarh Mahotsav is organized every year on the first day of Ashadh. The natural stage built in the approximately 44 feet long Sitabengra cave, the tradition of murals from the 3rd-2nd century BCE in Jogi-Mara cave, and the ancient inscriptions found here provide a unique identity to this region at the world level.
Another important identity of Ramgarh is the natural tunnel named "Hathipol". This natural tunnel, approximately 180 feet long and 15 to 20 feet high, is a major center of attraction for tourists due to its unique structure. It is believed that its current form developed due to water flow over many years. Sitabengra and Jogi-Mara caves located at the other end of the tunnel lend more mystery, charm, and historical significance to this entire region. These artistic caves located on the lower peak of Ramgarh mountain are also linked to the traditions of the Ramayana period, due to which this place is considered extremely important from a religious, cultural, historical, and tourism perspective.