Tiranga to be unfurled for the first time at 90 locations during the Bastar Tiranga Yatra; soil from martyr sites to be collected and preserved
Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set to mark Independence Day 2026 with an unprecedented Bastar Tiranga Yatra, as the state government plans to take the national flag to areas that were historically affected by Naxal violence.
The four-day campaign, scheduled from August 12 to August 15, will cover several remote areas of Bastar that were once considered strongholds of Maoist influence. The government says the initiative aims to strengthen the message of national unity, constitutional governance, peace and development across the region.
According to government figures, the Tricolour will be unfurled for the first time at 90 locations in Chhattisgarh during this Independence Day campaign.
‘One Constitution, One Law Implemented’: CM Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the government’s efforts to eliminate Naxalism have created an environment in which the national flag can now be taken to every part of the state.
He said the BJP-led government has worked towards strengthening the principle of “one Constitution, one law” across the country and cited Jammu and Kashmir as an example.
Sai said the end of Naxal influence has opened the way for the national flag to be displayed in areas where such activities were previously restricted by armed groups.
According to the Chief Minister, August 15, 2026, will be an important milestone in Chhattisgarh’s democratic journey, with the government seeking to ensure that the message of freedom, the Constitution and democratic values reaches every part of the state.
Tribute to Martyrs of Naxal Violence
The Bastar Tiranga Yatra will also honour security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in Naxal violence.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said the sacrifices of those who died fighting Naxal violence would be remembered during the campaign.
He said the initiative is intended to become a symbol of peace, trust and national integration, while connecting Bastar more closely with the mainstream.
Special tribute programmes will be organised at locations where major casualties occurred during Naxal attacks. Participants will observe a two-minute silence in memory of the martyrs.
Soil from Martyr Sites to Be Preserved
One of the key features of the campaign will be the collection of soil from sites where security personnel and civilians were killed in Naxal violence.
Sharma said the soil will be collected respectfully and preserved for a proposed museum dedicated to the martyrs.
“The soil from the places where our martyrs made the supreme sacrifice will be respectfully collected and preserved. This soil will later be kept in a museum dedicated to the martyrs, so that future generations can draw inspiration from their sacrifice,” Sharma said.
He said the initiative will help maintain an emotional connection with the martyrs and educate future generations about the difficult struggle against Naxal violence.
Tiranga to Reach 90 Locations for the First Time
The government has identified 90 locations where the national flag is expected to be unfurled for the first time.
Sharma said young people have an important role to play in nation-building and that determined youth can become a force for meaningful change.
The campaign will involve local youth, voluntary organisations, women’s groups, NCC, NSS, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Scouts and Guides and local elected representatives.
A special women bikers’ rally will also participate in the Bastar Tiranga Yatra.
Four-Day Route Across Bastar
The motorcycle-based Bastar Tiranga Yatra 2026 will begin on August 12 from Narayanpur.
August 12:
The journey will proceed from Narayanpur through Dhaudai, Kanhar Gaon, Kodenar, Bodli, Satdhar, Barsur and Geedam, before reaching Dantewada, where participants will stay overnight.
August 13:
The journey will continue from Dantewada through Kuakonda, Bhusaras Ghati, Chingavaram, Sukma, Errabor, Manikonta, Dornapal, Polampalli, Burkapal, Minpa-Tadmetla, Chintalnar, Jagargunda, Silger, Tekalgudem and Awapalli, before reaching Bijapur for the night halt.
August 14:
The journey will move from Bijapur through Awapalli, Usur, Galgam, Nambi and Tadpala before reaching Kurreghuttalu Hill.
The final major event will be held at Kurreghuttalu, an area once considered a Maoist stronghold, where the Tricolour will be unfurled.
‘One Tree in the Name of Martyrs’ Campaign
The campaign will also include the “One Tree in the Name of Martyrs” initiative.
At each major incident site, the organisers plan to plant as many saplings as the number of people who lost their lives at that location.
The programme will also feature interactions with young people, students and sporting talent, along with awareness campaigns on de-addiction and cyber security.
Cultural Programmes and Development Exhibitions
The Tiranga Yatra will include cultural evenings featuring Bastar’s traditional folk dances, patriotic songs and local cultural performances.
Development exhibitions will also showcase government initiatives related to roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, digital services and welfare schemes.
The success stories of young people who have been rehabilitated and returned to mainstream society will also be highlighted.
At district headquarters, organisers will conduct Bastar Peace Runs, along with large-scale Tiranga marches, national anthem programmes, martyr honour ceremonies and cultural events.
Addressing Psychological Impact of Naxal Violence
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said the Tiranga Yatra is not merely a flag campaign but also an effort to address the deep psychological impact of decades of Naxal violence.
He said several villages continue to carry painful memories of massacres and violence. In some places, families continue to commemorate relatives who were killed during attacks.
Sharma said the government would visit such locations and use the Tiranga campaign to reconnect communities with the national mainstream and strengthen their sense of security and confidence.
He added that while the government is working on development and infrastructure in these areas, rebuilding public confidence and addressing the psychological impact of violence is equally important.
A Symbol of Peace, Development and Democratic Values
The Bastar Tiranga Yatra 2026 is being presented by the Chhattisgarh government as a campaign combining patriotism, remembrance, peace, development and democratic values.
With the national flag planned at 90 locations for the first time, the collection of soil from martyr sites and a wide range of public participation programmes, the initiative is expected to become a significant part of Chhattisgarh’s Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
