Kabirdham, Chhattisgarh: Preparations for the 2026 Bhoramdev Festival are underway, with district officials finalizing arrangements for the cultural event. A key planning meeting was chaired by District Collector Gopal Verma, where representatives from local organizations, media, and public leaders discussed the event’s framework and necessary arrangements.
Officials announced that this year’s festival will be held on March 17 in Chapri village, located about 1.5 kilometers from the historic Bhoramdeo Temple. The venue change was made because construction work is currently underway at the temple premises as part of a major infrastructure upgrade.
Venue Shift Due to Corridor Construction
According to the district administration, the temple complex is being developed under Pradesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, with the central government approving ₹146 crore for the project. As part of this development, a new corridor is being built at the temple site, making it unsafe to hold large public gatherings at the traditional venue this year.
Authorities said the decision to shift the festival to Chapri village was taken to ensure public safety and avoid potential accidents during the ongoing construction work.
Cultural Identity of the District
Collector Verma emphasized that the Bhoramdev Festival is closely linked to the cultural identity of Kabirdham district. He directed officials to complete all preparations within the set timeline. Key arrangements at the new venue will include a main stage, audience seating areas, entry gates, parking facilities, security arrangements, drinking water, lighting, and sanitation services.
Officials also stated that efforts will be made to provide a larger platform for local artists, while well-known performers are also expected to participate.
Festival’s History
The Bhoramdev Festival began in 1995, when Kabirdham was still a tehsil of Rajnandgaon district. Over the years, the event has grown into a major cultural celebration. Starting from 2004–05, it was expanded into a three-day festival, featuring performances by both local talents and well-known Bollywood artists.
However, citing budget constraints, the event was shortened to two days in 2016–17, and this year it will be organized as a one-day cultural program.
Despite the change in venue and duration, officials say the administration is committed to hosting the festival in a grand and culturally vibrant manner, continuing a tradition that has become a symbol of Kabirdham’s heritage.