The culture of Chhattisgarh is a rich and vibrant tapestry of tribal heritage, folk traditions, and delicious cuisine. The state is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about India’s diverse cultural landscape.
Chhattisgarh is a landlocked state in Central India, with a population of roughly 30 million. It was carved out from Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000, and it borders seven other states. Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest-developing states in India, and it is rich in natural resources, such as coal, iron ore, limestone, and bauxite1
However, Chhattisgarh is not only known for its economic progress, but also for its cultural diversity and heritage. The state has a captivating blend of indigenous traditions, tribal heritage, and folk arts. There are over 35 big and small colourful tribes spread over the region, each with their own unique customs, beliefs, languages, and lifestyles. The state also has a vibrant folk culture, which includes various forms of music, dance, drama, literature, crafts, and festivals. Chhattisgarh’s cultural tapestry is a treasure to behold, and it reflects the history, identity, and aspirations of its people.
- Tribal Culture: The tribal people of Chhattisgarh are known for their strong sense of community and their close connection to nature. They believe in the importance of living in harmony with nature and they often worship the forces of nature. The tribal people of Chhattisgarh are also known for their skill in a variety of crafts, including pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
- Folk Music and Dance: Chhattisgarh is famous for its folk music and dance. The state is home to a variety of folk songs, which are often sung at weddings and other festivals. Chhattisgarh is also home to a number of folk dances, including the Karma dance, the Raut Nacha dance, and the Salai dance. The Karma dance is a ritual dance performed by the tribal people of Chhattisgarh to celebrate the harvest. The Raut Nacha dance is a folk dance performed by the Gond tribal people of Chhattisgarh. The Salai dance is a folk dance performed by the Baiga tribal people of Chhattisgarh.
- Cuisine: Chhattisgarhi cuisine is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients. The state is home to a variety of dishes, including the famous Chhattisgarhi dal baati churma, the jhaal muri, and the pitha. Chhattisgarhi dal baati churma is a dish made with lentils, rice, and ghee. Jhaal muri is a spicy snack made with puffed rice, peanuts, and spices. Pitha is a sweet dish made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery.
The Vibrant Culture of Chhattisgarh: A melting pot of tribal heritage, folk traditions, and delicious cuisine
Tribal Culture
Chhattisgarh has the highest percentage of tribal population in India, with about 32% of its population belonging to various Scheduled Tribes1 Some of the major tribes in the state are Gond, Baiga, Halbaa, Kamar, Korba, Bhatra, Kanwar, Pando, Birhor, Binjwar, and Oraon. These tribes have their own distinct socio-cultural characteristics and practices, which have been preserved and passed down for generations.
The tribal culture of Chhattisgarh is rich in oral traditions, such as myths, legends, folktales, proverbs, riddles, and songs. These oral traditions convey the tribal worldview, values, morals, and wisdom. They also serve as a source of entertainment and education for the tribal communities.
The tribal culture of Chhattisgarh is also manifested in various forms of visual arts and crafts. The tribes use locally available materials such as wood, bamboo, clay, metal, fabric, beads, feathers, shells, and seeds to create various objects of utility and beauty. Some of the famous tribal arts and crafts of Chhattisgarh are:
Bastar Dhokra
This is a form of metal casting using the lost-wax technique. The tribes use brass or bronze to create intricate sculptures of animals, birds, human figures, deities, and ornaments.
Bell Metal
This is a form of metal craft using an alloy of copper and tin. The tribes use bell metal to make utensils such as plates, bowls, glasses, pots, spoons etc.
Terracotta
This is a form of clay craft using baked earthenware. The tribes use terracotta to make idols of gods and goddesses such as Danteshwari Devi (the patron goddess of Bastar), Nandi (the bull mount of Lord Shiva), Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), etc.
Wood Carving
This is a form of woodcraft using various types of wood such as teak, sal , shisham , etc. The tribes use wood carving to make furniture such as chairs, tables , beds , etc., as well as decorative items such as masks , panels , doors , etc.
Bamboo Craft
This is a form of bamboo craft using various types of bamboo such as bans , bhirra , kullu , etc. The tribes use bamboo craft to make baskets , mats , fans , toys , musical instruments, etc.
Wrought Iron
This is a form of iron craft using iron rods or wires. The tribes use wrought iron to make items such as lamps , candle stands , hooks , hangers , etc.
Fabric Painting
This is a form of fabric craft using cotton or silk cloth. The tribes use fabric painting to create colourful designs on sarees , dupattas , stoles , etc., using natural dyes such as indigo , turmeric , madder , etc.
Traditional Dance and Music
The tribal culture of Chhattisgarh is also expressed in various forms of dance and music. The tribes have their own folk dances and songs that reflect their emotions, celebrations , rituals , and festivals . Some of the famous tribal dances and songs of Chhattisgarh are:
Panthi: This is a devotional dance performed by the Satnami sect in honour of Guru Ghasidas (the founder of Satnami movement). The dancers wear white clothes and turbans and move in a circular formation around a jaitkhambha (a wooden pole). They sing songs praising Guru Ghasidas and his teachings.
Raut Nacha: This is a folk dance performed by the Yadav community during the festival of Diwali. The dancers wear colourful costumes and cowrie shells and imitate the movements of cows and bulls. They sing songs related to the legend of Lord Krishna and his cowherd friends.
Karma: This is a folk dance performed by various tribes during the festival of Karma. The dancers wear traditional attires and hold branches of the karma tree (a type of ficus). They sing songs invoking the blessings of Karam Devta (the god of fate) and dance around the karma tree.
Soowa: This is a folk dance performed by various tribes during weddings and other occasions. The dancers wear traditional attires and hold earthen pots on their heads. They sing songs related to love and marriage and balance the pots on their heads while dancing.
Folk Culture
Chhattisgarh also has a rich folk culture that is influenced by various regional and historical factors. The folk culture of Chhattisgarh includes various forms of literature, music, dance, drama, and festivals that reflect the diversity and creativity of its people.
The folk literature of Chhattisgarh consists of various genres such as poetry, prose, drama, satire, fable, etc. The folk literature is written in various languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, Halbi, Gondi, etc.
Folk Singers
The folk music of Chhattisgarh consists of various types such as bhajan (devotional), geet (lyrical), lokgeet (folk), chaiti (seasonal), etc. The folk music is sung in various languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, Halbi, Gondi, etc. Some of the famous folk singers of Chhattisgarh are:
Teejan Bai: She is a renowned exponent of Pandavani, a style of singing that narrates the stories from the Mahabharata. She sings in Chhattisgarhi language and plays an ektara (a one-stringed instrument) as an accompaniment.
Mamta Chandrakar: She is a popular singer of Chhattisgarhi folk songs. She sings in Chhattisgarhi language and plays a harmonium (a keyboard instrument) as an accompaniment.
Punaram Nishad: He is a well-known singer of Chhattisgarhi chaiti songs. He sings in Chhattisgarhi language and plays a bansuri (a bamboo flute) as an accompaniment.
Folk Dance
The folk dance of Chhattisgarh consists of various forms such as nacha (dance), nautanki (drama), tamasha (comedy), etc. The folk dance is performed in various languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, Halbi, Gondi, etc. Some of the famous folk dances of Chhattisgarh are:
Nacha: This is a form of dance-drama that combines music, dialogue, and action. It is performed on various occasions such as festivals, fairs, weddings, etc. It depicts various themes such as social issues, historical events, mythological stories, etc.
Tamasha: This is a form of comic theatre that combines satire, parody, and slapstick. It is performed by a group of actors who wear masks and costumes. It mocks various aspects of society, politics, religion, etc.
Folk Festival
The folk festivals of Chhattisgarh consist of various celebrations that mark the seasons, harvests, religious occasions, etc. The folk festivals are celebrated in various languages such as Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, Halbi, Gondi, etc. Some of the famous folk festivals of Chhattisgarh are:
Hareli: This is a festival celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August) to worship the farm animals and crops. The farmers decorate their cattle with garlands and bells and offer them grass and grains. They also make models of farm implements and animals with wood and clay and place them in their fields.
Bastar Dussehra: This is a festival celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October) to honour the goddess Danteshwari Devi. The festival lasts for 75 days and involves various rituals and processions. The highlight of the festival is the rath yatra (chariot procession) of the goddess, which is accompanied by thousands of devotees and tribal dancers.
Rajim Kumbh: This is a festival celebrated in the month of Magh (January-February) to commemorate the confluence of three holy rivers: Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur. The festival attracts millions of pilgrims who take a dip in the sacred waters and visit the ancient temples. The festival also features cultural programs such as music, dance, drama, etc.
Conclusion
Chhattisgarh is a state that has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its history, geography, and people. The state has a remarkable blend of tribal and folk traditions that showcase its artistic and creative potential. The state also has a vibrant and dynamic culture that adapts to the changing times and needs of its people. Chhattisgarh’s culture is a source of pride and inspiration for its people and a treasure for the world.
(India CSR)
