Mahasamund

The Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 is set to take place from February 1 to 3, coinciding with Maghi Purnima, in Sirpur—one of India’s most significant ancient Buddhist learning centres. Organised jointly by the District Administration, Mahasamund, and the Sirpur Special Area Development Authority (SADA), the festival celebrates the town’s rich cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage.

Sirpur was once a thriving monastic hub, believed to have hosted over 10,000 Buddhist monks. The Chinese scholar Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang), who visited between 630-645 CE, documented its vibrant monasteries and intellectual life. The town was also associated with Acharya Nagarjuna, the renowned philosopher of the Madhyamaka tradition, whose contributions to Buddhist thought continue to shape Sirpur’s identity.

The festival aims to promote Sirpur nationally and internationally, strengthen its position within the global Buddhist circuit, and support its ongoing nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status. Delegates from Bhutan, South Korea, and Japan are expected to attend.

Daily morning sessions will feature academic talks and panel discussions on Buddhist philosophy, architecture, heritage conservation, and sustainable cultural tourism. Special focus will be on Sirpur’s Buddhist legacy, the Madhyam Marg, and the concept of Sunyata.

Evenings will feature vibrant cultural performances. February 1 will showcase Chhattisgarhi folk dances, Kathak, Tathagat drama, Dhrupad music, and a special performance by Baba Hansraj Raghuvanshi. February 2 will include Sufi music by Ustad Vusat Iqbal Khan, Kabir musical evening, Therigatha drama, and a performance by Hemant Brijwasi. The festival will culminate on February 3 with regional dances—Panthi, Danda, Bastariya—and a grand finale by Bollywood duo Meet Brothers.

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Sirpur Heritage Festival 2026 seeks to celebrate history, philosophy, art, and living traditions, positioning Sirpur as a globally recognised hub of Buddhist heritage and cultural exchange.