RVGPP 2021

Inaugural Event

The Ram Van Gaman Paryatan Path Samaroh was hosted on the auspicious start of Navratras on 7th October 2021 and continued for two more days at the Mata Kaushalya Mandir at Chandkhuri on 8th and 9th October 2021. The inauguration celebrations took place at the Police Academy Ground near the temple. People from Raipur, Mandir Hasaud, Arang and Chandkhuri village attended the Samaroh in large numbers, participating in the celebrations every day.

Chandkhuri and Kaushalya Mata Mandir

Chandkhuri village is famous for the temple dedicated to Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram’s mother. The temple location is unique since it is situated in the middle of a pond adding to its majesty. Legends say that the daughter of King Bhanumant of the Dakshin Kosal kingdom (present-day Chhattisgarh) was married to Dashrath, king of Ayodhya. After marriage, she was named Kaushalya based on her place of birth. This region is also known as the maternal home of Lord Ram.

Performers

The magnificent launch was a visual extravaganza combining music and dance that offered homage to Lord Ram, Mata Kaushalya and the ancient civilization of Chhattisgarh. It featured Chhattisgarh based noted artistes like Padma Shri Bharti Bandhu known for their devotional songs on poet Kabir, folk-singer Kavita Vasnik, Manas(Bhajan) Mandali Nand Kumar Sahu known for singing couplets from the epic poem Ramcharitmanas, which is considered as one of the greatest works of devotional literature on Lord Ram and folk artist Rajendra Sahu. The event also featured internationally renowned artists like singer-composer Padma Shri Shankar Mahadevan with singer Prajakta Shukre of Indian Idol fame, Mumbai-based fusion music band Kabir Cafe, acclaimed vocalist Sukriti Sen, Delhi based famous folk-rock band Indian Ocean, V Unbeatable, Mumbai-based noted acrobatic dance troupe and winners of America’s Got Talent show. All the artists made the exuberant audiences revel in the Bhakti Rasa as they performed compositions on Lord Ram.

Media & Publicity

The promotions of the event were on the Digital platforms as well as on ground with hoardings being set up in airports around the country and Raipur city. A live telecast setup at Budhha Talab and Marine Drive areas ensured that everyone from Raipur city could view the celebrations. The roads leading upto the event area were lit up and decorated. For the inaugural event International and National media, prominent social media influencers and experts from the tourism industry were invited as delegates.

Impact

Ram Van Gaman Paryatan Path is the pride of the state. It celebrates the unique relationship the people of Chhattisgarh have with Lord Ram. This event helped them appreciate the scale of the project, details of the project and the places that are being developed. The event also emphasized how the government of Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has made this a reality.

Highlights

A sandstone statue of Lord Ram standing tall at 51 feet was installed at the entrance of the temple and dedicated to the public at the Ram Van Gaman Paryatan Paripath launch event. Fireworks lit up the sky as the giant statue was unveiled through a light show. The temple was lit up for nine days during Navratri.
Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel joined Nand Kumar Sahu Manas Mandali on stage and played the jhanjh manjira while enjoying the Ramdhun.
Folk-rock band the Indian Ocean performed a theme song that was specially composed for Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit and Chhattisgarh based on the Government's motto - “Baat Hai Abhiman ki, Chhattisgarh ke Swabhiman ki”.
The celebrations continued for the next two days after the inaugural event, with day-long musical performances from Manas Mandalis from various parts of Chhattisgarh. These troupes sing couplets from the epic poem Ramcharitmanas, which is considered one of the greatest works of devotional literature. The two-day celebrations encouraged the participation of local artists from far-flung areas of the state and allowed more people to be a part of the celebrations.
  • A 10-minute film was made and screened showcasing the Ram Van Gaman Paryatan Paripath and Ram’s special relationship with Chattisgarh. The voiceover was by Sharad Kelkar, famously known as the Hindi voice of Prabhas in the blockbuster movie, Bahubali. The 3D movie was well received by the audience for the beautifully weaved storyline as well as the state of the art technology used to create the film.
  • The celebrations continued for the next two days after the inaugural event, with day-long musical performances from Manas Mandalis from various parts of Chhattisgarh. These troupes sing couplets from the epic poem Ramcharitmanas, which is considered one of the greatest works of devotional literature. The two-day celebrations encouraged the participation of local artists from far-flung areas of the state and allowed more people to be a part of the celebrations.
  • The delegates and media were presented with special food hampers from Delhi based Bread and More of the Kwality Group as part of an exclusive association for the initiative.
  • The concluding ceremony on 9th October saw the performance of Padma Shri Mamta Chandrakar who is known as the nightingale of Chhattisgarh. She presented Chhattisgarhi folk songs with her group Chinhari.
  • Winners of America's Got Talent: The Champions, acrobatic dance troupe, V Unbeatable, were specially invited from Mumbai who presented an exclusive choreographed dance performance dedicated to Lord Ram.