CM Sai at Diwali Milan: Chhattisgarh's folk culture is our pride
Synopsis
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Diwali Milan Samaroh at Lokabhavan in Raipur, extended Diwali greetings to Governor Ramen Deka, and celebrated Chhattisgarh's folk culture as the foundation of the state's social and cultural identity.
Key Takeaways
CM Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Diwali Milan Samaroh at Lokabhavan, Raipur on 14 November 2026 .
He extended Diwali greetings to Governor Ramen Deka during a formal courtesy meeting at the event.
The ceremony featured performances of Chhattisgarh's folk arts, traditions, and cultural heritage .
CM Sai described the state's folk culture as its 'glorious identity' and said festivals strengthen social unity.
Such Diwali Milan gatherings are a standing tradition for state governments to bring constitutional functionaries together around the festival.
Lights, folk music, and a constitutional courtesy call — Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai marked Diwali in full official colour at the Lokabhavan Diwali Milan Samaroh in Raipur, calling Chhattisgarh's living folk traditions the state's most glorious identity.
The ceremony brought CM Sai face-to-face with Governor Ramen Deka for a formal courtesy call, where the Chief Minister extended Diwali greetings. The gathering featured performances showcasing the state's distinctive folk arts, dances, and customs — a cultural showcase the CM praised warmly.
What CM Sai said about Chhattisgarh's folk heritage
Speaking at the event, CM Sai said: 'Chhattisgarh ki lok sanskriti hamari gauravshali pahchaan hai' — 'Chhattisgarh's folk culture is our glorious identity.' He added that the state's festivals and traditions 'strengthen social unity and cultural values,' framing them not merely as celebration but as social glue. He closed by wishing all residents happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Lokabhavan, the Governor, and a standing Chhattisgarh tradition
Lokabhavan in Raipur serves as the seat of Chhattisgarh's executive government, making it a natural stage for ceremonial occasions where constitutional functionaries — the Governor and the Chief Minister — come together publicly. Governor Ramen Deka, a former BJP parliamentarian from Assam appointed in 2023, received the Diwali wishes as the state's constitutional head. Such Diwali Milan gatherings are a standard feature of state government calendars across India, blending protocol with cultural outreach.
Chhattisgarh, home to substantial tribal populations, has long used official platforms to spotlight its folk arts — from Panthi and Karma dances to Raut Nacha and Bastar's distinctive craft traditions. For the BJP-led government under CM Sai, who took office in December 2023, anchoring governance messaging in cultural pride has been a consistent thread.
Point of View
Official cultural events like the Diwali Milan serve a dual function — they fulfil constitutional protocol while reinforcing the party's broader political messaging around Hindu festival observance and cultural nationalism. CM Sai, who leads a state with one of India's largest tribal populations, consistently foregrounds folk heritage to signal inclusivity without departing from the saffron cultural framework. The pairing of a constitutional courtesy call to the Governor with a folk-arts showcase is a well-calibrated piece of soft statecraft. Watching how such cultural positioning translates into the state's budget allocations for tribal arts and folk-artist welfare programmes will be the real indicator of substance behind the symbolism.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Diwali Milan Samaroh in Chhattisgarh?
The Diwali Milan Samaroh is an official ceremonial gathering hosted by the Chhattisgarh government at Lokabhavan in Raipur, where the Chief Minister, Governor, and other dignitaries exchange Diwali greetings and witness cultural performances showcasing the state's folk traditions.
Who is Vishnu Deo Sai?
Vishnu Deo Sai is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh from the BJP, in office since December 2023. He previously served as a Union Minister and is a prominent tribal leader from the state.
Who is the Governor of Chhattisgarh?
Ramen Deka is the Governor of Chhattisgarh. He is a former BJP MP from Assam and was appointed to the post in 2023.
What folk culture did CM Sai praise at the Diwali event?
CM Sai praised the rich folk arts, traditions, and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh on display at the ceremony, calling the state's folk culture its 'glorious identity' and saying festivals strengthen social unity and cultural values.
Where is Lokabhavan in Chhattisgarh?
Lokabhavan is located in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. It serves as the seat of the state's executive government and is used for major official and ceremonial functions.
