The three-day State Youth Festival was held from January 12 to 14, 2025 in Raipur
Representing my district on a state-level cultural platform was one of the proudest moments of my musical journey. At the Chhattisgarh Yuva Mahotsav 2025 in Raipur, on January 14, I had the honour of representing Raigarh district through a solo folk-singing performance and presenting Dadariya, one of Chhattisgarh’s most cherished folk traditions.
As I stepped onto the stage, I carried with me not only my own aspirations but also the rich artistic legacy of Raigarh, a city widely celebrated as Kaladhani. Through my performance, I sought to express the simplicity, emotion and cultural depth of Chhattisgarh’s folk music.
The appreciation I received from the audience made the experience even more memorable. Their encouraging response strengthened my confidence and inspired me to continue learning, performing and contributing to the preservation of our traditional musical heritage.
The three-day State Youth Festival was held from January 12 to 14, 2025, at Pandit Deendayal Auditorium in the Directorate of Sports complex near Science College Ground, Raipur. The festival was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The event brought together talented young participants from across the state and provided them with a vibrant platform to showcase their abilities in music, dance, literature, culture and other creative fields. It also played an important role in connecting the younger generation with Chhattisgarh’s diverse cultural traditions.
Representing Raigarh district, Khyati Kumar celebrated Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage through a soulful Dadariya folk performance at the state youth festival in Raipur.
For me, participating in the festival was much more than a performance. It was an opportunity to represent Raigarh, celebrate the cultural identity of Chhattisgarh and grow as a young artist.
I am a Class 11 Arts student at O.P. Jindal School, Raigarh, where I study under the guidance of Principal R.K. Trivedi Sir. Alongside my academic education, I am also receiving training in Hindustani classical music at Chakradhar Sangeet Mahavidyalaya.
I live in Raigarh, and I am the daughter of O.P. Jindal School teacher Divya Kumar and Rusen Kumar. The constant support of my parents, teachers and music mentors has played a vital role in shaping my journey.
This opportunity has deepened my commitment to music and motivated me to work harder. I hope to continue representing Raigarh and Chhattisgarh on larger platforms while carrying forward the timeless beauty of folk and classical music.
The Chhattisgarh Yuva Mahotsav 2025 was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the strong foundation of a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh would be built by the hands of the youth. He described young people as the future of the state and said Chhattisgarh was moving rapidly towards reconstruction and progress through their strength, determination and aspirations.
Referring to employment and recruitment issues, Chief Minister Sai said that alleged irregularities during the previous government had weakened the morale of young aspirants. He stated that his government had fulfilled its promise to order an investigation into the Public Service Commission recruitment case by handing it over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. According to him, the agency’s action had helped restore the confidence of young people in the PSC examination process.
About the Chhattisgarh State Youth Festival 2025
The state-level cultural innovation provided a major platform for young people from across the state to showcase their talent, culture and creativity. Organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, the festival witnessed the participation of more than 3,500 young contestants from different districts of Chhattisgarh. The mega program was designed to promote national integration, community participation and a spirit of brotherhood among the youth.
Competitions were organised across 13 categories covering cultural expression, life skills, innovation and creative enterprise. The cultural events included group folk dance, group folk song, solo folk dance and solo folk singing.
The life-skills segment featured story writing, painting, extempore speech and poetry, while the Yuva Kriti category included a science fair, handicrafts, textiles and agricultural products. A rock band competition was also organised under the other-events category.
The festival celebrated not only artistic talent but also innovation, confidence, communication and the diverse cultural identity of Chhattisgarh.
