-: Chhatisgarh :-

Chhattisgarh, situated in central India , is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. Chhattisgarh offers the tourist a Destination with a Difference. For those who are tired of the crowds at major destinations, Bastar, with its unique cultural and ecological identity, will come as a breath of fresh air. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 47% of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country.

About 70% of the total population of bastar district are tribals and they constitutes about 25% of the total tribal population of Chhattisgarh state . Each tribal group has their own culture and each of them are following their own traditional in unique ways. And they do have their own dialects .The tribes of chhatisgarh do have some cultural similarity with the neighbouring state of orissa where one can find some of the most primitive tribes of India living in close harmony with nature. Our tribal tour itinerary in chhatisgarh offers a rare opportunity to experience a unique tribal culture and wild life adventure.

Culture :- Chhatisgarh's cultural tradition comprises a mosaic where different idioms - the folk, the classical and the tribal - coexit and enrich the whole. Some of these traditions, particularly folk theatre, handed down from one generation to the next, have adapted themselves to a changing world and changing audiences. Among the most famous theatrical forms of chhatisgarh are the Pandavani and Nacha. pandavani is a narrative performance tradition that is based on the Mahabharata. The narrator not only sings verses from the epic but also dramatises it through physical gestures, including facial expressions and energetic body movements.

Music And Dance :-

The most prominent tribal dance forms include the Dandari, Gerhi, Karma, Sua, Gaur.

Dandari :-
Dandari is performed by the Dandami Maria tribes of Bastar, usually after harvest.

Gerhi :-
Gerhi is a ghotul dance, using stilts that is performed by some tribes of Bastar. It is generally associated with the Hariali Parab or seed-sowing season.

Karma :- Karma , possibly the most famous dance in the state, is performed by both the Baigas and the Gonds. This dance is associated with the fertility cult and essentially related to the Karma festival in August when the forests become lush green. Maharaj Chakradhar Singh of raigarh State was born on 19 August 1905. He can rightful be called the founder of the Raigarh gharana. He combined the dancing techniques of three existing gharanas - Lucknow, Jaipur and Banaras- to develop a new form of kathak, establishing it on world stage.

It is due to Maharaja Chakradhar that Raigarh is often known as the cultural capital of the Chhatisgarh. A music academy has been established in the raigarh district to honour him.

Sua :-
The Sua or the Sugga (meaning parrot) is a graceful dance performed by most of the women of chhatisgarh. The head and feet move like those of a parrot, keeping pace with the rhythm of a wooden clapper called the thiski.

Gaur :-
Another popular dance is the Gaur, performed by the Bison- horn Marias of south Bastar. The participants wearing scintillating costumes, ornaments and bright headgear imitate a number of bison movements.

Wildlife :-

Chhatisgarh can undoubtedly be branded as the 'green state'.It is prime tiger country, comprising mainly tropical moist and dry deciduous forests and (sal,teak and bamboo) and significantly rich in endemic species as well as medicinal plants (more than 500 species have been identified so far). Among the varied wildlife of the region, the highlight definitely is the rare wild buffalo (bubalus bubalis).famous for its magnificent horns, including three national parks (12 % share of India's forest )and eleven wildlife sanctuaries.

Handicrafts :-

In The word of artist Haku Shah, 'the making of an object and living with it are the two interconnected elements that have governed the craft tradition for centuries. The potters and tribals are linked by a closed bond, the creative urge of the former and the religious needs of the latter form a wonderful combination are in fact inseparable.

Bell Metal :-

The most distinguished craft of chhatisgarh is bell metal casting. Locally known as Dokra, meaning 'old.

Made of 80% copper and 20% tin, bell metal is cast using cire perdue or the lost-wax process. What is unique about the lost wax process is that ti date it continues to be carried out in the same way as it was when first used. Modern advancements in technology and newer implements have not brought about any significant change in the process, hence sustaining its original simple form. To begin with, a clay core or a replica of the object to be cast is prepared. On drying, fine threads of wax are tightly wound around it, and further modelling is carried out using beeswax. Once the model is ready, it is coated with a thin layer of fine clay, which takes on its inner surface the impression of the replica. It is then baked, leaving a narrow vent for the wax to flow out. The space thus created between the core and the clay layer is filled with molten metal. It is then allowed to cool down and solidify , before the metal. It is then allowed to cool down and solidify, before the outer layer of clay is broken to expose the metal image. Though seemingly easy, a great amount of precision and and skill is required to carry out this accurately.

Iron Craft,Wood Carving,Bamboo,Tattooing, Stone Carving these are also famous in chhatisgarh.

Handlooms of Chhattisgarh :-

The main handloom industry of Chhatisgarh is that of silk weaving. A type of Tussar, it is locally known as kosa in this region .The Kosa cloth comes in varied patterns that are block-printed, painted or embroidered. Particularly famous is the kantha embroidery done in small running stitch, in a medley of colours. The typical fera and jaala weave patterns draw inspiration from sources ranging from nature to mythological stories.

The sturdy kosa yarn used is obtained from cocoons after the fully-formed silkworm moths leave them. Called gichha, this coarse yarn is priced higher than the fine silk, as it is more durable.

There are also special dress woven out of coloured threads for the folk dances of Tual and Dhruva Bandhipata. The most elaborate ones are the bridal and festive-wear saris with gold and silver threadwork on them.