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Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh Best Visit Time

Best Time to Visit:

Summer:

Winter:

Monsoon:

Introduction
Chhattisgarh, state of east-central India, was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on 1 November 2000 as the 26th state of the Union. Dakshin-Kausal was the name given to the region in ancient times. This is also stated in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This area was ruled by Sarabhpurias, Panduavanshi, Somvanshi, Kalchuri, and Nagvanshi rulers between the sixth and twelfth centuries. With the arrival of the British in 1845, Raipur grew to dominance over the capital Ratanpur. 
 
Chhattisgarh is enclosed in the east by southern Jharkhand and Odisha, in the west by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, in the north by Uttar Pradesh and western Jharkhand, and in the south by Andhra Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is the 9th largest state in terms of area and the 17th in terms of population in the country.
 
Since tribal people make up the majority of the population, the state's true culture and traditions are preserved. The life of these two major rivers, Indravati and Mahanadi, has resulted in natural triumph. Chhattisgarh is known for its lush jungle, which makes it a beautiful and healthy tourist destination. According to legend, this is the location where Lord Rama spent part of his exile. This is why ancient historians and students have always been fascinated by Chhattisgarh. With its lush vegetation, waterfalls, and natural beauty, the land has a lot of potential as a tourist destination.
 
Many of Chhattisgarh's caves and monuments showcase the incredible skill of the region's architects and artisans. Tourists can go on trekking and safaris in the lush green forests and soak up the atmosphere of different plant and animal species. The greenery and waterfalls found in the state's hilly regions are a sight to behold. Chhattisgarh's roots can be seen in the Kailash cave, which is hidden in the dense woods near the Tirathgarh waterfalls.
 
Summers in Chhattisgarh are not a recommended time to visit but it is a great time to see a lot of wildlife activity in the sanctuaries. Many tourists come here during the monsoon to enjoy the environment and the beautiful views of several waterfalls. Because of the cool climate, the best time to visit Chhattisgarh is in the winter.
 
Traditions and Culture
The state's residents are very hardworking, displaying their zeal in mines and factories. They are also extremely artistic and excel at traditional handicrafts. Because of the tribal dominance in Chhattisgarh, the history, traditions, customs, and traditional beliefs differ. The Gond tribe, Korba tribe, Baiga tribe, Bison Horn Maria tribe, Abhuj Maria, Muria tribe, Halba tribe, Bhatra and Dhurvaa tribes are some of Chhattisgarh's major tribes. The Gond tribe of the Bastar region is the most influential of the above-mentioned tribal tribes. Nearly 70% of Chhattisgarh's population consists of tribes, with the Bastar district holding the most of them.
 
Chhattisgarh's culture is a combination of literature, performing arts, and crafts that is derived and nourished from everyday life and observation of people's reality. The majority of the decoration or fashion pattern used in their art work is derived from their own religion, myths, social and political activities, nature, and folklore. Painting, woodcarving, bell metal work, bamboo ware, and tribal jewellery are some of the people's other traditional crafts. 
 
When it comes to their art and craft the tribal groups of Bastar are believed to be the earliest who worked with metal where they specialized in Dhokra casting in bronze and bell metal. These metals are also used in making tribal gods, votive animals, oil lamps, carts and animals. Chhattisgarh having more forest land,  the people are very skilled in intricate craft work such as carved wooden doors, windows, ceilings, lintels, masks, and sculptures of tribal cult figures.
 
The indigenous people's religion is viewed mostly by the contrasting manifestations of folk-mythical gods and goddesses. Dhanteshwari is a well-known goddess in this region, worshipped as a bestower of wishes and a shield against evil. Tribal entertainment such as cock fights and tribal dances such as Salai, Suwa, and Karma are also part of Chhattisgarh's ethnic mosaic.
 
The tribal outfits of the people of Chhattisgarh are very distinctive and appealing.
They have a strong preference for jewellery, especially around their neck, which is typically made of metal casts, silver ghungroos, and chunky wooden bangles. Women are very specific about their sarees, which must be knee length and brightly colored. Men in tribal communities such as the Halbas, Ghotuls, Abhuj Marias, Murais, and others wear dhotis and cotton turbans.
Gaudy costumes in striking colors too are features of the tribal festivals. 
 
Chhattisgarh is known for Kosa silk and lost wax art. The ivory-colored fabric is used to create potholders, mats, hammocks, bags, and dolls. Since bamboo is abundant in Chhattisgarh, people use it to build homes, bows and arrows, pots, fish and bird traps, and a variety of agricultural tools.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Chhattisgarh:

The state of Chhattisgarh is well-known for its colourful festivals and celebrations. Dance and song, mysticism and holiness, unbridled passion, and, above all, ancient cultural values are all part of the festivities. Let’s have a look at the popular festivals of the state. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Rajim Kumbh: Rajim kumbh is a grand festival held in Rajim (three holy rivers, Mahanadi, Son, and Pairy mingling stage, popularly known as Chhattisgarh's Prayag) with thousands of devotees, saints, and Naga sadhus participating in the holy deep of the festival.
  • Bastar Dussehra: Though Dussehra is a national holiday observed throughout the world, the Bastar Dussehra is marked by a distinct set of festivities. A festival commemorating the Goddess Danteswari's supreme strength, during which the people of Bastar hold numerous special worship ceremonies at the famous Danteshwari temple in Jagdalpur.
  • Bastar Lokotsav: This festival is related to Bastar Dussehra in that it occurs about the same time of year and lasts for a fortnight. It highlights some of Bastar's most prominent characteristics, such as its natural beauty and fantastic and fine art and craft works.
  • Madai Festival: The Charama and Kurna communities of Kanker district, the tribes of Bastar, and the communities of Bhanupratappur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Antagrah, and other areas all participate in the Madai Festival. This is a one-of-a-kind travelling festival that visits different parts of the state. Local tribes in the state pray to the festival's presiding deity.
  • Gonncha: Another festival in Bastar is Gonncha. In the district, there is a chariot procession. Tupkis made by Tribals and pengs acquired for the purpose can be heard all over the city (Jagdalpur). The festival brings locals and tribals together to celebrate.
  • Bhoramdeo Mahotsav: With its unique attractions, this is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in Chhattisgarh, attracting visitors from all over the country as well as from around the world. The main festival celebration takes place inside the premises of the well-known Bhoramdeo Temples, which are located about 135 kilometres from Raipur's main city.
  • Champaran Mela: This fair, which commemorates the birth of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, highlights the area's rich cultural heritage and attracts Vaishnavas from all over India. It takes place in a small town 10 kilometres from Rajim in the months of January and February.
  • Teej Festival: The Teej festival, held in Chhattisgarh, honours the state's cultural diversity. This is a Rajasthani festival in which the state is honoured. Both the tribal and non-tribal communities participate in the celebration. The women of the community are mainly involved in this festival, while the men are mostly exempt. Colorful processions of women dressed in vivid traditional garb are held.
  • Holi: Holi, the vibrant festival, is enthusiastically celebrated. At midnight, the main priest of goddess Dnateshwari and the current king – Maharaja of Bastar – leave for Madpal for the “Holika Dahan” with his procession dressed in royal garb. It is only after the Maharaja has lit the Holika Dahan at Madpal that this occurs. The Maharaja sits on a wooden chariot built by tribes and pulsates, which is a sight to behold.
  • Kajari Festival: This is another significant festival in Chhattisgarh, which is observed by the state's farmers. The Kajari festival is primarily held to commemorate the start of the wheat and barley sowing season. The people of the area are deeply religious, and they believe that by celebrating the Kaja, they will obtain the blessings of Goddess Bhagwati, the prime Goddess, and thus have a better crop the following year.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Chhattisgarh:

Chhattisgarh is one of the few Indian states where you can get all of these things done in one place. Chhattisgarh proves to be a justified choice with monuments, beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, caves, and heritage temples. The state of Chhattisgarh is located in the heart of Incredible India, and it is renowned for its rich cultural heritage as well as its beautiful natural diversity. These top tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh are not to be missed:

  1. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary- The Bar and Nawapara forest villages are located within the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. It was established in 1976 and covers a total area of 245 square kilometres. The region's rich and lush vegetation supports a diverse range of wildlife. The ground is largely flat, with a few low and high hillocks thrown in for good measure.
  2. Danteshwari Temple- Maa Danteshwari Temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari in Dantewada, located 84 kilometres from Jagdalpur. The ancient temple was founded by the Bastar kings and is one of India's 52 Shakti Peethas; she is the Bastar state's Kuldevi.
  3. Bhoramdeo Temple- This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located 18 kilometres from Kawardha and 116 kilometres from Raipur. It was constructed between the 7th and 11th centuries. This stone carved temple is built in the Nagar style and is renowned for its exquisite carvings, earning it the moniker "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh."
  4. Chitrakot Waterfalls- The Chitrakot waterfalls are formed by the waters of the River Indravati, which flow from the Vindhu Mountain range. This is also referred to as India's Niagara Falls, and it is the country's top attraction and largest waterfalls. It is particularly beautiful during the rainy season.
  5. Rajim- Rajim, also known as Chhattisgarh's "Prayag," is the meeting point of three holy rivers: the Mahanadi (Chitrotpala), Pairi, and Sondur. The ‘Triveni Sangam' is the name given to the point where these three rivers meet. Every year, from Magh Poornima to Mahashivaratri, the Chhattisgarh Kumbh Mela takes place here.
  6. Kailash & Kutumsar Caves- The Kailash Gufa and Kutumsar caves are located near the village of Kutumsar and are one of Chhattisgarh's most popular tourist destinations. The caves were located 35 kilometres from Jagdalpur, deep within Kanger Valley National Park.
  7. Sirpur- Sirpur village is a renowned heritage site. This village's temple culture has served as an inspiration to many architects. It's a charming secret gem with a strong link to Buddhism and a treasure trove of 8th-century archaeological finds. This village's Buddhist monasteries are said to be among India's most important and significant.
  8. Balrampur Hot Springs- In the Balrampur district, the hot spring known as Taat Pani flows all year. The National Thermal Power Corporation Limited is building India's first geothermal power plant at Taat Pani.
  9. Kanger National Park- This 34-kilometer-long park is 27 kilometres from Jagdalpur and is located on the Kolab River. It was established in 1982 and takes its name from the Kanger River. This park has been designated as an Asian Biosphere Reserve. The park's location and surroundings are its highlights; the park is surrounded by a diverse fauna including Chikara, barking deer, Chital, jackal, hyena, wild boar, buck, and others.
  10. Tirathgarh Falls- Tirathgarh Falls is without a doubt one of Chhattisgarh's most popular tourist attractions. It is a single location that combines entertainment, fun, a picnic, and adventure. The Tirathgarh Falls are also regarded as one of Jagdalpur's most well-known picnic spots.
  11. Chirmiri- Chirmiri is a lovely hill station and green city in the state of Chhattisgarh. The small railway station has a direct rail connection to Bilaspur. Lord Jagannath Temple, Amrit Dhara waterfalls, Hasdeo River, and Maha Maya Temple in Ratanpur are all popular tourist attractions in the region.
  12. Rajim- The Chhattisgarh Kumbh Mela takes place here, and pilgrims from all over the world gather to participate in this auspicious festival. Rajim is also known as Chhattisgarh's "Prayag" because it is the meeting point of three holy rivers: the Mahanadi (Chitrotpala), Pairi, and Sondur. The ‘Triveni Sangam' is the name given to the point where these three rivers meet.
 

 

Cuisine
Chhattisgarh is known as India's "rice bowl," since rice is widely consumed and enjoyed. Wheat, corn, and jowar are the main ingredients in the territory's diet. Protein-rich foods are common among the residents of this region. The variety of lentils served to visitors often entices them to come. 
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Muthia: Muthia are dumplings prepared in the traditional manner of the state of Chhattisgarh. Muthia is made from rice batter that has been seasoned with a variety of spices. Since the dish is steamed rather than fried, the original taste of the ingredients is preserved.
  • Aamat: The Chhattisgarh sambar is also known as aamat. This dish is made with perfectly cooked mixed vegetables, various spices, and ginger garlic paste, all of which contribute to the dish's flavour. This dish is usually made with bamboo shoots, which help to preserve the flavour of the ingredients while also adding a distinct flavour to the plate.
  • Fara: Fara is a popular and safe breakfast among the people of Chhattisgarhi. Chhattisgarhi Dumpling is another name for Fara. Rice is the primary ingredient in this dish. It's made in the shape of a dumpling with just a few spices and coriander leaves to give it the best flavour and aroma.
  • Bada: This is Chhattisgarh's most popular and delectable snack. The dish is a variation of the South Indian Vada. The bara is made from Urad millet or lentils that have been fermented. It's essentially a fritter snack that's commonly served at festivals and village fairs. The preparation of the Bada needs very little oil. A few chopped chilies, fresh coriander, and chopped onion are mixed in the batter. It's customary to serve the Bada in Dona (a bowl made of dried Sal leaves) with tomato chutney. It also tastes good with tamarind chutney.
  • Bafauri: Tea and snacks in the evening are better served with bafauri. Since the amount of oil in this delicacy is minimal, it is nutritive. It's a nutritious snack that becomes irresistible to fritter fans. Bafauri is made by combining different vegetables and spices with Bengal gramme flour and blending thoroughly. The dough is mixed and shaped into steamed balls. It's better eaten with a chutney of coriander and pudina.
  • Chila: Chila is a flat chapati-like dish made with rice batter and Urad Daal. The dish is very easy to prepare and tastes fantastic. Chila is an integral part of the people of Chhattisgarh's breakfast meal.
  • Hatphodva: Rice batter is commonly used to make this dish. On an earthen pan, it's normally cooked in steam. Since this dish comes in two flavours: salt and sweet, it can be eaten with milk or any chutney. It can be termed as Chhattisgarhi version of idli.
  • Tilghur: Tilghur is a sweet ball made from sesame seeds and roasted peanuts that has been dipped in dark jaggery syrup. Til ke laddoo is another name for it.
  • Khurma: Khurma is a common sweet dish from the Indian state of Chattisgarh, made with condensed milk and semiya (also vermicelli). The roasted vermicelli (or deep fried vermicelli) is added to the boiling water with sugar syrup (you can also use jaggery syrup) and rich dry fruits to make a mouthwatering sweet dish that will please your sweet tooth.
  • Dubki Kadhi: A dish that includes dumplings and curd has to be delicious. This filling dish is best eaten with rice. It is one of the most common lunch recipes in Chhattisgarh. All enjoy the tangy and tasty dubki kadhi. When there was a scarcity of vegetables in the household, kadhi made its mark by involving Bengal gramme flour dumplings soaked generously in tempered curd.
  • Mahuwa Juice: Mahuwa is a tree that is used to make this juice. The Mahuwa fruit is immersed in water for a while before being finely ground with water. To improve the flavour of this juice, lemon and salt are added to it, along with jaggery.
 
FAQ’s

The experience of Chhattisgarh is unique to India. Widest waterfalls in the nation, caves, verdant forests, historic buildings, uncommon wildlife, finely curved temples, Buddhist shrines, and plateaus atop hills can all be found here. More than 80% of the country's biodiversity can be found in Chhattisgarh, which is unique.

 

Chattisgarh is well known for its tribal culture, and tribal tours are a special attraction there. The primary tourist destinations include Raipur, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Sirpur.

 

A 5-6 days Chhattisgarh vacation package allows you to discover the state's wildlife and culture. The state is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India due to its wildlife sanctuaries.


 

The winter months, which extend from October to March every year, are the finest times to visit the majority of India's tourist destinations. So the best time to visit Chhattisgarh is in the winter.

Yes, Bilaspur has a domestic airport, while Raipur has an international airport. All of India's main cities are connected to Raipur.

 

The most stunning and endearing hill station in Chhattisgarh is BailaDila. It is situated in Chhattisgarh State's Dantewada district. This hill station is surrounded by a huge variety of plants and animals, stunning waterfalls, etc.The entire hill range was separated into two sections: Bacheli and Kirandul.

 

 Top Places to Visit in Chhattisgarh are:
-    Chitrakot Falls.
-    Tomb of Ibrahim Rauza.
-    The Tirathgarh Falls.
-    Bhoramdeo Temple.
-    Ghatarani Falls.
-    Central Park of Naya Raipur.

 

The majority of traditional and tribal dishes, such as lal bhaji, cholai bhaji, chech bhaji, kanda bhaji, kheksi, kathal, kochai patta, kohda, and bohar bhaji, are cooked using rice, rice flour, and curd.

 

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