Right after the inception of separate state of Chhattisgarh, the local populace expected that there would be a drastic change and that it was a revival time for Chhattisgarhi tradition and culture. But it didn’t happen. It took 19 long years for Chhattisgarhi festivals to get state patronage.
The diversified and vibrant culture of the state was till now facing humiliation and there was a sort of inferiority complex among the local populace. Several times they were mocked for their diverse culture. But now a feeling of self pride has been automatically generated among them when Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel himself is taking personal interest and the festivals like Haritalika Teej, Pola, Dipawali and Govardhan Puja were declared public holiday and are celebrated at the government level.
The ‘Gedi’ ride, Sua and Raut folkdance form have been revived and the official residence of Chief Minister has become a platform for their preservation.
It’s a fact from time immemorial that a culture is only survived and flourished when it gets state patronage. The seat of power had contributed for it whichever culture has been preserved till date.
Meanwhile, whatever had not happened since formation of the state is happening now after 19 years thanks to Baghel, who has brought a sense of self esteem and pride among the local populace by patronizing the rich cultural heritage of the state.