Grand preparations in Chandkhuri Kaushalya temple premise for the inauguration of Ram Van Gaman Path Tourism Circuit

Raipur:
Ram-Van-Gaman Tourism Circuit, the ambitious project of Chhattisgarh government
being implemented by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, will be formally inaugurated
on October 7 at Mata Kaushalya temple premise in Chandkhuri. On the
instructions of chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, a grand outline of this
three-day program has been chalked out. Nationally and internationally renowned
artists as well as the local artists of Chhattisgarh will stage their performances
at the event during these three days.

Ram
Van Gaman Tourism Circuit Development Project is an initiative to preserve the
memories and folk evidences of the exile period of Shri Ram. It is believed
that Shri Ram had spent 10 out of 14 years of his exile period in Chhattisgarh.
He had entered from Baikunthpur district of North Chhattisgarh. While migrating
to various places in the state, he had entered South India from Sukma district.
At that time, 75 places located on the forest path of Lord Ram in Chhattisgarh
known as Dandakaranya have been identified. Chhattisgarh government has
prepared a plan for the development of the entire Ram-Van-Gaman circuit and the
places related to Lord Ram. In the first phase, 9 out of 75 places are being
developed and beautified as tourist pilgrimages. Development of Mata Kaushalya
temple at Chandkhuri, one of the nine places identified in the first, has been
completed.

Chandkhuri,
a small village near Raipur, is the birth place of Kaushalya, mother of Lord
Ram. Mata Kaushalya Temple is the only temple in the world dedicated to her.
This beautiful ancient temple situated in the middle of the huge lake has been
renovated recently.

The
story of Lord Shri Ram’s exile and his stay in Chhattisgarh will be presented
through dance, music, laser show and LED lights in the inauguration ceremony of
Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit. Renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan will
be one of the chief guests to attend the event. Padma Shri Bharati brothers,
singer Kavita Wasnik, among other artists, known for presenting Kabir’s songs in
a different way, Nandakumar Sahu, a Manas (bhajan) troupe that takes devotional
songs of Lord Shri Ram to every nook and corner of the world, famous singer
Sukriti Sen’s jugalbandi with fusion band, Kabir Cafe is also one of the
highlights of the event. A specially composed song for Chhattisgarh and Ram Van
Gaman tourism circuit will be presented by the Indian rock band ‘Indian Ocean’
on the occasion. Besides, a special dance based on Lord Shri Ram’s legend will
also be performed by Mumbai based famous acrobatic dance group ‘We Unbeatable’.

After
the inauguration ceremony, cultural programs will be organized for the next two
days, which includes the performance of Manas mandalis from different parts of
Chhattisgarh. The tradition of Manas Mandali is an integral part of
Chhattisgarh culture. Local artists from far-flung areas of the state will also
be given a chance to participate in this event. These artists also include
troupes that sing the epic Ramcharitmanas.