India is a culturally diverse land known for accepting people with different ethnicities and histories. Even after 70 years of independence, one can find several indigenous tribes living peacefully and following their culture. One such state that is situated in the centre of India and which does not lack in diversity is Chhattisgarh. People in Chhattisgarh have still preserved their rich cultural legacy.
Chhattisgarh has the largest tribal population in the country with more than 27 percent living in Bastar district. The tribal population also resides in the district of Dantewada and Jashpur. Both, the government and people put in a lot of efforts to preserve the traditional arts and craft. This is achieved primarily by still practising the art form and making concentrated efforts to encourage tourism. The state’s folk arts and performing arts are bound to give you a greater insight into the culture of this place. To fully explore the beauty and culture in the state, we suggest you book a taxi in Raipur and explore nearby.
Every tribe in Chhattisgarh is widely different in their way of life. Some of the tribes in the region include Kamar, Halba, Baiga, Pando, Binjhwar, Birhi, etc. The folk dance and art are a perfect mix of movement and harmonisation that gives us an incredible experience to cherish. Food, music, and dance are some of their interests that make their simple lives lovely and colourful.
A few dance forms that every tourist should witness include Saila Dance, a dance performed by young boys after the harvest season. At the end of the performance, the participants are given paddy as a symbol of appreciation. Karma Dance form is associated with Karma festival and is performed to signify the end of monsoon. Pandavani dance is a musical presentation performed by tribes from Durg District portraying all the leading characters from the epic Mahabharata.
Panthi dance is the most prominent dance forms as it brings out the exact picture of the customs and tradition the tribes from Durg region. It is a ritual of Satnami community performed on the birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas. Raut Nacha is a dance form performed by Cowherd in order to admire Lord Krishna. Soowa Nach is yet another form of dance performed by the females keeping a wooden parrot in the centre. It is performed on the occasion of Goura marriage.
Bastar art and its artisans are renowned for their metalwork and terracotta ware. The extraordinary skills of Bastar tribes in making and designing authentic handicrafts, Dokra Craft, bamboo work, figures of terracotta, wood carvings, and clay pieces magnificently displays the creative ability of tribal artisans. Dokra being the most popular and the earliest known method of metal casting has discrete design and types. Dokra is an important part of the tribal culture that has received universal approval. This tribal art form indeed conserves the charisma of Chhattisgarh making it a perfect destination for the tourists to discover the yesteryear’s real India.
The state is also famous for its typical art forms like Loha shilp, terracotta pottery folk jewellery, wooden crafts, and traditional bamboo craft products. Loha Shilp is an exceptional art where the craftsman makes use of recycled scrap iron to make products like toys, deities, lamps, etc. If you’d like to go shopping for these indigenous items in Chhattisgarh, we recommend you rent a cab in Raipur. Terracotta pottery mostly signifies the rituals and the life style of tribes. Wood craft/carving has also gained importance over the years and a tribe named Badhais are skilled in this art. The rawness that Chhattisgarh disseminates warrants at least one visit to the magnificent state. Plan your trip now.
Happy Vacationing!
