The short answer
Chakradhar Samaroh: what visitors should know first
Go if you love classical music and dance and can plan around September. The festival runs for about ten days with evening performances. Confirm dates and venue with Chhattisgarh Tourism, since they follow the calendar and can change.
History and context
The story behind Chakradhar Samaroh
Raja Chakradhar Singh was born in Raigarh in 1905 and ruled the princely state from 1924 until his death in 1947. He is credited with founding the Raigarh Gharana of Kathak, led the first All India Music Conference at Allahabad in 1938 and wrote books on Indian music. The 38th Samaroh was held in 2023, and the 2026 edition is listed as the 41st.
Useful facts
Chakradhar Samaroh facts at a glance
- Location
- Raigarh; main venue listed as Ramleela Maidan
- Experience type
- Evening classical music and dance festival
- Known for
- Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, sitar and tabla
- Honours
- Raja Chakradhar Singh
- Time or schedule
- 14 to 23 September 2026, from 7 pm (listed)
Why it matters
Why Chakradhar Samaroh is worth your time
Raigarh's reputation as the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh rests on Raja Chakradhar Singh, who ruled from 1924 to 1947 and invited musicians and dancers from across India, including experts of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, to his court. He is credited with founding the Raigarh Gharana of Kathak and was a skilled tabla and pakhawaj player.
The Samaroh keeps that tradition alive in public. It is the clearest way for a visitor to understand why this industrial city has a place in India's classical dance history.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Kathak heritage
The festival honours the ruler who developed the Raigarh Gharana.
- 02
Evening concerts
Performances begin at 7 pm and cover music and dance.
- 03
Sports side
Wrestling and kabaddi are listed on separate dates at the Moti Mahal premises.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The Chakradhar Samaroh is an annual festival of Indian music and dance honouring Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, a former ruler of Raigarh who was himself a musician and dancer. The 2026 edition is listed for 14 to 23 September, with performances starting at 7 pm and the main venue given as Ramleela Maidan. Because venues and dates have changed between years, confirm with Chhattisgarh Tourism before you book travel.
The programme typically includes classical and folk vocal performances, sitar and tabla concerts, and dance in styles such as Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, plus folk forms such as Pandavani. Sports tournaments, including wrestling and kabaddi, are listed separately at the Moti Mahal premises. Pick one or two evenings and arrive early for a good seat.
As the festival falls in September, expect humid weather and the possibility of rain. Book a hotel early, carry an umbrella, and plan your return so that you are not on the road late.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm dates and venue with Chhattisgarh Tourism
- Book a hotel well in advance
- Arrive early for seats
- Carry an umbrella in September
- Plan return transport after the performance
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Raigarh (main venue listed as Ramleela Maidan)
- Time needed
- An evening, or several evenings
- Best time
- September, around Ganesh Chaturthi
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Evening performances are mostly seated and level. Arrive early for seating, check toilets and transport back to your hotel, and expect humidity in September.
- Tickets and access
- Ticketing arrangements are not published; many such festivals are free or open to the public, but confirm locally. Check the programme for dates, performers and venue.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chakradhar Samaroh
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Evening performances are mostly seated and level. Arrive early for seating, check toilets and transport back to your hotel, and expect humidity in September.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
When is the Chakradhar Samaroh?
It is held around Ganesh Chaturthi. The 2026 edition is listed for 14 to 23 September.
Who was Chakradhar Singh?
The Raja of Raigarh from 1924 to 1947, a musician and dancer credited with founding the Raigarh Gharana of Kathak.
What performances can I see?
Classical and folk vocal music, sitar and tabla, and dance such as Kathak, Odissi and Bharatanatyam.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.