CHHATISGHAR

Chhattisgarh a new state carved out of Madhya Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. This tribal-dominated state of India situated in the heart of India is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, scenic waterfalls, 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. The Green state of Chhattisgarh has 44% of its area still under forest cover, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. Chhattisgarh State largely consists of plateaus streaked with high range of Satpuras in the North, the river Mahanadi and its tributaries in the Central Plains and the Bastar plateau in the south. To the north of river Shivnath there were 18 garhs (forts) belonging to the Kalchuris and to the South there were another 18 garhs belonging to the Kalchuris of Raipur. Hence, the total of these 36 Garhs formed the basis of naming this region as Chhattisgarh.

In ancient times Chhattisgarh was known as Dakshin (South) Koshal. Geographical evidence of the place is found in the Ramayana and the Mahabharat. Lord Rama entered Dandkarnaya from North-East of Koshal and spent some of his exile (forest-living) period here. In Mahabharat's Rajsoo Yagya episode the description of Dakshin Koshal has been found. In historical records in Samudragupta Prayag eulogy, description of Koshal has been found. The rock-paintings of Singhanpur and Kabra mountains are quite famous among contemporary painting due to variety and style. Along with archaeology, the culture of Chhattisgarh is also quite famous. The tribal Kanwars, Kamar, Baiga. Halba, Korea, Pando, Birhai, Biniwar make the atmosphere cheerful by their dance and song, on the occasion of marriage and other festivals.

Apart from the mesmerizing dances and songs of Dadra, Pandwani, Karma, Panthi and Suva, the region has National parks/sanctuaries and religions importance such as Sirpur, Rajim, Malhar, Sita Bengra, Jogibhatta, Deepadih, Dantewada and Dongargarh. Innumerable monuments, finely carved temple, vihars, forts and palaces reflects the dynasties and kingdoms of great warriors and builders, of poets and musicians, of saints and philosophers, of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, and Islam.

BILASPUR

Bilaspur, situated in Satluj valley in the outer hills is a bustling city of this new state. The Bahadurpur fort, Sariun fort, Tiun fort remind of the ancient turbulent times when wars in this area were perhaps a routine feature. Vyas Cave, situated at the foot of the new township, draws a continuous host of tourists and pilgrims. Vyas, the Rishi who penned the Mahabharata is believed to have live here.

RAIPUR

Centrally located in Chhattisgarh, Raipur is the biggest city of the region and a fast developing important industrial centre. Raipur is also important from the historical and archeological point of view. This district was once part of Southern Koshal and considered to be under Maurya Empire.

TRIBAL CHHATISGARH - BASTAR

Bastar is tribal territory where about 70% of the total populations are tribals. It is predominantly a forest area and has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world. The Gonds (a tribe) in Bastar remain perhaps the least in contact with the world outside. Each tribal group has its own culture and each of them follow their own traditions in unique ways. And they do have their very own dialects .The tribes of Chhatisgarh have some cultural similarity with those living in the neighbouring state of Orissa, where one can find some of the most primitive tribes of India living in close harmony with nature.

Maria is the largest group of tribes in Bastar. Goddess Danteshwari is the reigning deity of the Marias. Marias are steeped in superstition. They have immense faith in magic. The Marias have coppery complexion with straight black hair, wide mouth, and thick lips. The women are graceful, light in complexion, and pretty. The jewelry the Maria women wear is even more exotic. Most of it is handmade-necklaces of cane, grass or beads.

The tribal district Bastar is full of festivals which includes harvest festivals like Navakhana, 'eating of the new crop', Mati Puja, 'Worship of the earth', Goncha, the chariot festival etc; the biggest being Dusshera festival. Many of the Hindu festivals are not observed, while those that are observed are carried out differently. Country-dances are the chief amusements of all the tribes of Bastar and cock fighting is the favorite pastime in the bazaars. The village children amuse themselves with miniature bows and blunt arrows and play tip-cat, blind-man's buff, prisoner's basic and a game in which one boy represents tiger and the rest goats with a goat-herd in charge. The tribal society of Bastar is famous for exotic handicrafts with a variety of designs and shapes. These handicrafts include woodcarvings, bell-metal items, terracotta items and items made of bamboo.