Culture of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is well known for its rich cultural heritage that reflects various aspects of this beautiful state. Cultural life of Chhattisgarh comprises varied forms of traditional art and crafts, tribal dances, folk songs, regional festivals and fairs and amusing cultural fests. Mainly, Chhattisgarh is occupied by tribal people who have preserved their rich tribal culture modestly and religiously. Eastern parts of the state of Chhattisgarh are influenced with Oriya culture. People of the state are traditional and believe in simple way of living following their traditional customs and beliefs. It can be visibly observed in their food habits, festivals and fairs, costumes, ornaments, folk dance and music as well. Chhattisgarh also hosts various cultural fests like Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival and Bastar Lokotsav etc. that showcase vibrant cultural life of the state.


Hinduism is the major religion in the state of Chhattisgarh. Besides, the state also has a significant population of followers of Islam and Buddhism. Apart from that tribals of the state follow their own set of beliefs and customs while many of the tribes have converted into Christians. Satnami, Kabirpanth and Ramnami Samaj etc. are other religious sects, what you can say offshoot of Hinduism . Most of the population in Chhattisgarh state communicates in Chhattisgarhi, a dialect of Hindi language. Hindi is the official language of Chhattisgarh and mostly spoken by non-rural population of the state. Earlier, Chhattisgarhi was famous as "Khaltahi" among the surrounding hill-people while Sambalpuri and Oriya speaking people generally referred it to as "Laria". Kosali, Oriya and Bhojpuri languages are also spoken by people in Chhattisgarh and Telugu is also spoken in few parts of the state.

Directorate of Culture and Archaeology
Govt. of Chhattisgarh
Director, Culture & Archaeology
MGM Museum, Civil Lines, Near Raj Bhawan, Raipur (C.G.)
Contact no.: 0771-2537404
Tele fax: 0771-2234731
E-mail: deptt_culture@yahoo.co.in, deptt.culture@gmail.com
Website: https://cgculture.in/

Tribal Culture in Chhattisgarh

Being a tribal dotted region, Chhattisgarh has a multihued tribal culture reflecting vibrant colors of tribal life. “Tribal” word is basically used in India for the inhabitants who are known as indigenous in other countries. In Hindi language, the word “Tribal” means ‘Adivasi’ (ancient inhabitants) and these people are classified as “aboriginals” as per National census and are listed according to the tribes. India is home to several tribes and Chhattisgarh houses many of them as this land had been occupied by many tribes and been a tribal dotted land in ancient times too. In fact, Chhattisgarh is home to the oldest tribal communities of the India. It is also assumed that the earliest tribal communities of the region have been living for over 10,000 years in Bastar region of the state. Basically, tribal people do not belong to Hindu religion but they have imbibed various features of Hindu culture.

The main tribes residing in Chhattisgarh include Gond, Abujmaria , Bisonhorn Maria, Bhatra, Muria, Halba, Parja and Dhurvaa tribes (in Bastar), Muriya, Dandami Mariya or Gond, Dorla and Halba tribes (in Dantewara), Korwa, Kawar, Gond, Bhaiyana, Rajgond, Binjwar and Dhanwar tribes (in Korba), Kol, Gond and Bhunjia tribes (in Koriya), Parghi, Savra, Manji and Bhayna tribes (in Bilaspur and Raipur), Kamar tribe (in Gariabandh, Mainpur, Dhura and Dhamtari) and Munda tribe (in Surguja and Jashpur). Every tribe has a Sarpanch, who is the chief of that tribal community and main advisor as well as mediator in disputes of the people of that specific tribe. Sarpanch is assisted by a team of 5 advisors, each known as Panch. The Sarpanch and 5 Panchs are highly respected by other members of the community. Every tribal community has its own rich past and culture of traditional dance, music, food and dress. But all these tribes have one thing in common and that is way of living – simple and nature loving.

Art and Crafts of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is much popular for its exclusive traditional art and crafts that make it an amazing place to find out unique artistic handicrafts and decorative items. Handicrafts of Chhattisgarh are fine example of artistic perfection of the local artisans and brilliant use of the natural resources in making of the beautiful home decor items. Tribal culture also resembles in these local art and handicrafts of Chhattisgarh. Wood carvings, bell metal (Dhokra) handicraft, terracotta figurines, tribal jewellery, paintings, clay pieces and cotton fabrics are much adorned local handicrafts of the region. These handicrafts are an integral part of culture of Chhattisgarh. Some of the popular handicrafts of Chhattisgarh are:

Bell Metal (Dhokra)

Bell metal or Dhokra work is most popular craft of the state and is usually practiced in Bastar & Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh. Tribal artisans of the region craft bell metal handicrafts using brass and bronze with hollow casting and the lost wax technique. This art is known as ‘Dhokra Work’ and is mainly practiced by the tribes like ‘Ghadwas’ of Bastar and ‘Jharas’ of Raigarh districts.

Traditional Ornaments (Tribal Jewellery)

Traditional ornaments of Chhattisgarh reflect tribal touch and is one of the most sought after items from this state. Well, traditional jewellery in Chhattisgarh is widely available in a variety of gold, silver, bronze and mixed metal. Along with tribal ornaments made out of beads, feathers and cowries are an integral part of tribal costumes as tribal men and women both equally tend to wear traditional ornaments.

Terracotta Figurines

Terracotta figurines also make an integral part of traditional craft of the state. Over the time, terracotta has become major part of the handicrafts produced in the state of Chhattisgarh. Craftsmen of Chhattisgarh state produce beautiful terracotta pottery representing the rituals and customs of tribals as well as symbolize their emotions perfectly in an attractive form of terracotta figurines.

Wrought Iron Work (Loha Shilp)

Wrought iron work or the loha shilp is another traditional craft form of Chhattisgarh. In this craft, wrought iron is used to create dark raw forms of the metal artifacts and figurines. Recycled scrap iron is mainly used as the raw material used for this craft of wrought iron. Some of the famous items made out of this traditional wrought iron craft include lamps, candle stands, effigies of musicians, toys, figurines, and deities etc.

Wall Paintings

Traditional art of wall paintings are also common in tribal regions of Chhattisgarh. These paintings are associated with rich culture and the rituals of the tribals. In this art from, walls and floors of the houses are painted with colors usually depicting some specific rituals of the tribes. Pithora painting is a common traditional art form originated in tribal area of the Central India. These paintings generally depicts offering to the Gods and various instances related to the rituals of the tribal communities. Well, these paintings are usually painted as ritual on various occasions including marriage, childbirth and fulfillment of any wish etc. Natural colors are used for these paintings and one can find these kinds of paintings in most of the houses in tribal dotted regions of Chhattisgarh state.

Godna

Godna is another traditional art form of Chhattisgarh mainly practiced by rural women in Jamgala village of Chhattisgarh. Mainly, women of this village paint traditional tattoo motifs (or Godna) on the textiles to give them attractive look with Godna art. Most of the art forms of Chhattisgarh are based upon natural resources and Godna art also has its connection with nature. For Godna art, natural colors are obtained from the forest and then combined with acrylic paint to enhance it stability on the fabric. Thus, ancient tribal art of Godna or tattoo has now become one of the pioneering art forms of the region.

Cotton Fabrics

Apart from all other handicrafts, cotton fabrics of Chhattisgarh are also quite famous as attractive handicrafts produced by tribals in the state of Chhattisgarh. Among these cotton fabrics, the most notable and famous one is cotton saree known as ‘Chhattisgarh Kosa Saree’. Besides, dressing materials and drapes are also in much demand. These hand-woven cotton fabrics are specially hand printed by the tribals of the region. Kosa thread is used for weaving of these fabrics and this thread is made from a specific kind of worm found in the forest of the state. Along with hand printing on these cotton fabrics is also unique as natural vegetable dye is used for hand printing. This dye is extracted from ‘Aal’ which is mainly found in the forest of Chhattisgarh.

Bamboo Work

Bamboo work is another famous craft of Chhattisgarh that showcases amazing craftsmanship of the local artisans. Tribals of Chhattisgarh generally use natural resources to produce various articles with their unique craftsmanship. Their artistic excellence can be seen in the articles they make out of bamboo for daily use and decorative purpose including baskets, fishing traps, hunting tools and agricultural implements etc.

Wood Carving

Chhattisgarh is also known for its beautiful wood carving art that has been an integral part of famous traditional crafts of this region. Craftsmen of Chhattisgarh have expertise in producing nicely carved wooden products and furniture. Different kinds of wood like shisham, sal, teak, dhudi and kikar are used for this purpose. Intricately carved wooden pipes, masks, doors, window frames, sculptures, ceilings, doors and lintels etc. are skillfully designed by these craftsmen in Chhattisgarh.

Folk Culture of Chhattisgarh

Like all other aspects of the cultural life, folk Songs and dances of Chhattisgarh also resemble rich cultural heritage of this state. As Chhattisgarh is majorly occupied by tribals, folk songs and dances also have unique tribal touch. Dances, songs and drama are major part of tribal culture as well as cultural life in Chhattisgarh. Tribal dances of Chhattisgarh are truly fascinating and folk music adds much more lyrical beauty to the performing arts in the state. All auspicious occasions, festivals and cultural fests are complemented with folk songs and dances that symbolize rich traditions and customs of the region. Jhaduram Dewangan, Teejan Bai, Ritu Verma, Shantibai Chelak, Usha Barle, Hansraj Malwi, Heera Singh Borliya, Ramavtar Akhand and Kaluram Bamnia are some of the popular artists of the Chhattisgarh state. Various types of drums and different techniques of drumming are used in folk dance and music of Chhattisgarh. Heavy dhols (big drums) and mandals (smaller sized drums) are mostly used as musical instruments during singing and dance performances. Mandri, a mini version of the Mandal is also one of the traditional musical instruments of this region.

Folk Songs of Chhattisgarh

Folk songs of Chhattisgarh are based on traditional folk music forms of the region. Pandwani singing, bharthari and chandeni are most popular folk singing and music forms of the state. Chait Parah and the Dhankul songs are popular in Bastar region of the state. Chait Parah is a seasonal song while Dhankul is much devotional in nature and devoted to the goddess Danteshwari. Leja songs are sung as a ‘send off ' ritual to a dear one in the surrounding villages of Jagdalpur districts in Chhattisgarh. The Dadaria songs of Kamar tribe have a fix pattern of rhyming lines. These dadaria songs of Kamars are also known as Ban-Bhajans or Salho. On the other hand, the songs that are sun during marriage ceremonies are generally short and are specially addressed to the trumpeter, Moharia. The famous folk music of Chhattisgarh, Pandavani is a folk singing style that involves narration of tales from the ancient epic Mahabharata. In Pandwani, singing is accompanied by musical instruments and this form of folk music is also famous as a folk theatre form in Chhattisgarh. Bharthari, another popular music form of the state is based on the folk tales of the former King and saint Raja Bharthari. Among all, Pandwani is the most famous folk music form of Chhattisgarh state.

Pandwani : Pandwani is a music form and a folk ballad form that is performed predominantly in the state of Chhattisgarh. This form of traditional Chhattisgarhi music has a man or a lady narrating the story of the Pandavas, leading characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata with some action and singing. In Pandawani narration, team of the artists consists of a lead artist and some supporting or chorus singers and the musicians. Vedamati and Kapalik are two main styles of narration in Pandawani. In the Vedamati style of narration, the lead artist narrates Pandawani in a simple manner by sitting on the floor throughout the performance. While Kaplik style is livelier as the narrator actually enacts the scenes and characters in this style of Pandwani narration. Mostly, ladies do the job of storytelling in Chhattisgarh while men and women traditionally dressed, enact the song simultaneously. World famous Chattisgarhi folk singer Teejan Bai is a Pandavani specialist who has performed on All India Radio and in other countries as well.

Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Folk dances of Chhattisgarh are mainly tribal dances that purely showcase tribal culture of the state. As dances are the major option of amusement in tribal communities, people love dancing and are skilled in its varied forms. All the tribal dances are majorly group dances which involve complex footwork and drum beats. These fascinating tribal dances of Chhattisgarh are too enjoyable and must to watch for the wonderful and spectacular dance performances. In most of the dance forms, all the dancers usually dance in a line, gyrating in a circle, always in the anti-clock direction. Some of the popular tribal dances of Chhattisgarh are:

Saila Dance: Saila dance is most popular folk dance form of Chhattisgarh. It is basically a group dance, in which only male dancers participates. Saila dance is mainly performed during national festivals, public functions and political rallies. This form of folk dance is also performed after cutting the crop. All the dancers hold two hard bamboo sticks in their hands and strike the sticks of their neighbour in unison during saila dance performance.

Suwa Dance: Suwa or Soowa dance is also known as Parrot Dance. It is one of the main dance forms of tribal women in Chhattisgarh. Suwa dance is performed by tribals to please the goddess of wealth. Female dancers keep a parrot in a bamboo-pot and then form a circle around it. Then all the dancers sing and dance while moving around it with clapping. Suwa dance is an interesting dance form as it is a special form of tribal dance by which a young girl lets a young boy know or indicates that she is interested in him. And when a marriageable young boy sees the girl dancing and singing the song, he sends a marriage proposal to her parents from his side. This dance form is basically a symbolic form of dancing related to the worship.

Karma Dance: Karma Dance holds religious significance as it is performed with much devotion. "Karam" is a holy tree worshipped by the locals in state of Chhattisgarh. In this tribal dance form, male and female dancers are chained together to form a large circle. Then a branch of Karam tree is passed among all the dancers as they continuously sing and dance in praise of the karam tree. However, most important thing to be taken care of during this dance is that this branch should not touch the earth. At the end of the dance, this branch is washed with milk and rice beer both. Thereafter, this branch of Karam tree is planted in the middle of the dancing arena. Karma dance is performed according to the caste, but still it holds the same devotional significance across all the castes.

Rawat (Raut) Nacha: Raut Nacha or Rawat Nacha is a traditional form of tribal dance, prominent in eastern parts of the state of Chhatisgarh and borderline Odisha. In this dance form, an annual competition is organized with performing teams from all participating villages of the region. Every team consists of 60-100 men members and a child member. During performance of Raut Nacha, half of the men sing and play special kind of flute with special drums while other performers dance in co-ordination, encircling the child member of the team. That child is generally dressed up as Lord Krishna. This tribal dance form symbolizes the battle between the King Kansa and the cowherds who were the followers of Lord Krishna.

Theater and Cinema in Chhattisgarh

Theatre in Chhattisgarh is mostly known as Gammat. Well, Pandavani is one of the famous lyrical forms of this traditional form of theatre in the state. In fact, several acclaimed plays of famous theatre personality, Habib Tanvir, are variations of Chhattisgarhi Theatere and Charandas Chor is fine example of this form. As in other parts of the country, cinema is quite popular in Chhattisgarh state and film industry of Chhattisgarh is known as “Chhollywood”. Several Chhattisgarhi films are produced by the local producers of the state annually.

Festivals in Chhattisgarh

Festivals play key role in bonding of various communities and people with harmony and brotherhood. As in other parts of the country, festivals are an integral part of cultural life in Chhattisgarh. As Chhattisgarh is tribal dominated region, most of the regional festivals are related to the nature worship. People of the state love to celebrate festivals with much pomp and gaiety. Thus, apart from national festivals, a number of regional festivals are also celebrated in Chhattisgarh state.

Goncha Festival

Goncha festival is celebrated every year during the "Rath Yatra" in Jagdalpur. It is one of the famous tribal festivals celebrated with much fervor in the state. During this festival, mostly tribals participate in the celebration. They use a sort-of pistol made from bamboo and called, goncha and a fruit as the bullet called, tukki to shoot at each other for fun and amusement.

Bastar Dussehra

Dussehra is one of the most important festivals of Chhattisgarh and Dussehra of Bastar is well known for its grand celebration and for different purpose especially. All the tribes participate in this ten day event and celebrate Dussehra as a congregation of Devi Maoli, who is Bastar's native deity and revered as the "elder sister" of Devi Danteshwari and all her sisters. During this festival, hundreds of priests from all over the state bring flower-bedecked local deities to the Danteshwari temple in Jagdalpur. Thus, Bastar Dussehra is celebrated in a different way with great fun and frolic.

Kajari Festival

Kajari festival is an important festival celebrated by the farmers of the state of Chhattisgarh. Kajari festival indicates the beginning of the sowing season for wheat and barley. People of this region are religious and thus seek the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati by celebrating kajari festival for having a better crop in the following year. However, customs and rituals of this festival are performed only by women who are blessed with a son. Celebration starts from the day of the Shravan Shukla Navami when the women folk go to the agricultural fields to collect soil in leaf cups. Thereafter barley is sown in the soil of these cups. Then cups are kept in a clean and dark room with walls and floors washed with paste of cow dung and mud both. Floors are decorated with beautiful designs that are created with rice solution. These designs generally comprise figures of a house, a woman with a pitcher, a child in cradle and a mongoose. Then the cup is worshipped by women folk. These customs and rituals are regularly repeated for seven days till Kajari Purnima or full Moon Day. Women pray for the well being of their husband, children and for a good harvest during this worship every day. Women observe fast on Karjari Purnima from morning till the evening and then carry that cup over their heads to immerse it in a nearby pond or water body as per traditional customs.

Madai Festival

Madai festival is another tribal festival of Chhattisgarh which is celebrated by tribes from time to time in various regions of the state. It is celebrated to worship local goddess of tribal regions. In December, celebrations of Madai festival start in Bastar region to worship the goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. In January, this festival is celebrated by tribals in Kanker, Charama and Kurna regions of the state. In February, it goes back to Bastar region and Cheri-Chher-Kin is worshipped this time. In the end of February, the festival goes to Antagarh, Narayanpur and Bhanupratappur regions and it is celebrated in Kondagaon, Keshkal and Bhopalpattanam regions in the month of March. At every place, madai festival is held in a big ground and thousands of people attend the ceremony starting with a procession of the local Goddess. Then worship starts with various cultural programs to celebrate this religious occasion with pomp and show.

Phagun Madai

Phagun Madai is one of the most celebrated festivals in Chhattisgarh. It starts in month of March, almost 7-8 days before Holi and ends a few days after Holi celebration. Deities and the tribal dances which are based upon various folk and tribal stories are major attractions of this festival that make it one of most spectacular festivals of the state. People from all over the country come to celebrate Phagun Madai in Chhattisgarh.

Bhoramdeo Festival

Bhoramdeo festival is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh. This festival is celebrated annually by all the people in the state. Bhoramdeo temples from where this festival has originated, were built by King Ramachandra of the Nag dynasty. These temples are located on the banks of river Sankari in the Satpura hills of Chhattisgarh state. Thus, Bhoramdeo temples form the backdrop for the popular Bhoramdeo festival of Chhattisgarh.

Hareli Festival

Hareli festival is mainly celebrated by farmers in the state of Chhattisgarh. In the month of Shravan, farmers worship their agricultural equipments and cows. They place branches and leaves of the Bhelwa tree in their fields and pray for a good crop. Along with they hang small neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to keep seasonal diseases at bay. Children of the region play gedi (walking on bamboo) as well as take part in a gedi race on the occasion of Hareli festival.

Navakhana Festival

Navakhana Festival is celebrated every year in the month of Bhadrapad. This festival is celebrated by all the communities in the state of Chhattisgarh. It announces the harvesting of rice crop and the newly harvested rice is offered to the family deity on the ninth day (Navami) of Bhadrapad month during this festival. In some tribal communities, cultural programs also take place at the night after consuming the newly harvested rice.

Literature of Chhattisgarh

Apart from its cultural diversity, Chhattisgarh also boasts of its rich literary heritage that speaks of historical and social movements of this region. Literature of Chhattisgarh is known for its unique description of social issues and regional consciousness. It also reflects struggle of the state for establishing its own distinct identity in the Central India. Khub Chand Baghel has also mentioned social problems of the lower castes of the region in his plays, ‘Jarnail Singh’ and ‘Unch Neech’. Chhattisgarh has also gifted many talented writers to the nation and Abhishek Agarwal is the youngest one who belongs to Bhilai and is one of the much famous authors of Chhattisgarh.

Cultural Festivals in Chhattisgarh

Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival

Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival is organized every year in the month of January by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. It is one of the most successful cultural events organized by Chhattisgarh Tourism in India. This festival is the spectacular one that showcases various dance and music forms of the country at one platform. This festival was started with an aim to bring in various artists into its own cultural family as well as creating international cultural brotherhood and harmony. This culture festival of Chhattisgarh is major international attraction that has made a special place in cultural life of the state. Several renowned artists perform Indian classical, folk and tribal dance and music during this grand cultural event as well as represent rich culture of the state.

Chakradhar Samaroh

Chakradhar Samaroh is a music festival of Chhattisgarh, organized by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra. This cultural fest is hosted to commemorate the glorious memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, who was a former ruler and a great tabla player and dancer. He wrote several books on music and dance. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh also developed a new form of Kathak and established the Raigarh Gharana. Chakradhar Samaroh is among famous cultural festivals of Chhattisgarh known for its special music and dance performances that reflect rich cultural heritage of the state.

Bastar Lokotsav

Bastar Lokotsav is a fortnight-long tourism event which is organized to coincide with the most popular Bastar Dassera. This cultural event is hosted every year after the monsoons, when the forests and waterfalls of the region are at their best, showcasing mesmerizing natural beauty of this tribal dotted land. During this event, tribal handicrafts can be bought directly from the local artisans.

Cuisines of Chhattisgarh

Every part of the country has its own food culture and Chhattisgarh also boasts of its rich tradition of food culture. Chhattisgarh is famous as rice bowl of Central India and most of the traditional cuisines of this state are mainly made from rice. Traditional food of Chhattisgarh comprises tribal food culture and mainly includes various foods made of rice and rice flour, curd and a wide variety of green leafy vegetables such as lal bhaaji, chowlai bhaaji, chech bhaji, kaanda bhaaji, kochai patta, kohda and bohar bhaji. Badi and Bijori are two optional food categories. Fara or muthiya, cheela (dosa like dish made with rice batter), chousera roti (puri made with rice flour) and angakar roti etc. are much popular as breakfast dishes. Bore Baasi, literally meaning dipped rice from the last cooked meal, is the most common meal consumed by the people during scroching summer.


Bore basi mainly comprises cooked rice dipped in water, curd or buttermilk and accompanied by pickle and raw onion. It truly reflects simple food habits of the residents of Chhattisgarh. “Iddhar” is one of the well known traditional cuisines of Chhattisgarh. It is made with grinded urad dal and kochai patta. Both of these items are arranged in alternate layers 2-3 times and then rolled properly. This roll of kochai patta and urad dal is cooked in steam and then cut into small pieces. Then it is cooked with curd like curry. However, gram flour or besan is also used instead of urad dal by some people, as a variant of this famous regional dish of the state. When it comes to sweets, people of Chhattisgarh love to relish sweet dishes and thus a number sweet delicacies are famous in the state. Gulgula (bobra), dhoodh fara, bidiya, kusli, tikhur barfi, bafauli, balooshahi and khurmi are some of the popular sweets of Chhattisgarh. The tribals and villagers enjoys special brew made of small and creamy white fruit of a local tree that is widely known as, “Mahuwa”. It is one of the famous local drinks of the state.

Costumes of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has a vibrant culture that exhibits various colors. Mainly traditional costumes of Chhattisgarh are that of tribes and tribal people in the region. These costumes of the tribals are unique and attractive as well as reflect vibrant and multihued rich culture of the state. Men and women both usually love to put on bright and colorful attires. Traditional costume for women is ‘Lugda` (saree) and `Polkha` (blouse). Tribal women are very particular about color and length of their sarees. They tend to wear knee length or full length saree in bright colours. The most used fabrics for saree are linen, silk and cotton and these beautiful sarees are usually painted with molten wax. Along with, tie and dye is a common technique used in Chhattisgarh to make fabrics which are called, ‘Batik’.

Tribal men belonging to Halbas, Ghotuls, Abhuj Marias and Murias, etc. generally wear dhotis and cotton turbans. Gaudy costumes in striking colours are main features of the tribal festivals that make them much more attractive and spectacular as well. Tribal women love to put on traditional ornaments including neck pieces (usually made of metal casts), ainthi, kardhani , pounchhi, bichhiya, silver ghungroos and chunky wooden bangles especially. Tribal ornaments made of beads, feathers and cowries are mostly seen during festivals and special occasions. As in any other urban area of the country, men usually put on trousers and shirts in the urban areas of Chhattisgarh state. Urban women mostly wear sarees and salwar suits in modern style. Sarees generally can be found in several fabrics including Maheshwari silk, Orissa silk, Chanderi silk and Batik print sarees etc. that are majorly worn by the women in the urban areas of Chhattisgarh.

Fairs in Chhattisgarh

Sheorinarayan Fair

The Sheorinarayan Fair is annually held on Magh Purnima (full moon day in the month of Magh) in small town of Sheorinarayan in Chhattisgarh. This fair is held in premises of the Sheorinarayan temple that becomes extremely vibrant during this fair. Devotees come to offer their prayers to Lord Rama at the Sheorinarayan temple. Shops set up during this fair doubles the joy with unique presence of these shops selling a variety of beautiful and attractive items. Apart from that eating joints in this fair also offer a delicious trea to the visitors for sure. Cheerful faces of the people gathering in this festival reftlects joyous aura of this annual fair.

Narayanpur Mela

Narayanpur mela is held in the month of February, right after celebration of Jagdalpur Dassera. Several Bastar tribes gather with their local deities in Narayanpur Mela. Hence, this fair is marked by worship of deities and celebration with fun and frolic.

Champaran Mela

Champaran fair is held every year during January and February in a town about 10 km away from Rajim in the stae of Chhattisgarh. Like other fairs of the state, this fair also resembles rich and vibrant culture of the region. Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya was born at this place and thus this fair draws a large crowd of Vaishnavas across the country.

Rajim Lochan Mahotsav

Rajim Lochan Mahotsav is held annually from 16th February to 1st March in the small town of Rajim, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in state of Chhattisgarh. It is annual fair that is held near Rajimalochana temple in Rajim village. Considering increasing popularity and importance of this fair, Ministry of Tourism in Chhattisgarh has also taken various initiatives to organize the Rajim Lochan Mahotsav on much attractive scale in past few years. Spectacular performances of the talented singers and dancers of Chhattisgarh are major attractions of this fair. Besides, interesting dramas are also enacted by the local artistes during Rajim Lochan Mahotsav that also showcase rich cultural heritage of the state of Chhattisgarh.

Also Read: Culture in Raipur | Culture of Bhilai | Culture of Bilaspur | Culture of Jagdalpur | Culture of Raigarh