Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh has a rich cultural heritage with its own dance styles, cuisine, and traditional and folk music. The major language spoken here is Chhattisgarhi but people also speak Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Telegu, Oriya, Punjabi, Malayalam etc. Some of the most famous folk songs in Raipur are Sohar songs related to childbirth, and Bihav and Pathoni songs that are sung at weddings. Apart from the major Indian festivals, festivals like Makar Sankranti, Dussehra, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ugadi, Rath Yatra, Eid, Baisakhi etc.people in Raipur also celebrate local festivals such as the Rout Dance, Harley and Pola. 

• Bhagoriya Festival: The Bhagoriya festival is celebrated in the Jhabua district of Chhattisgarh by the Bhil tribe.
   
• Bhoramdeo Mahotsav Festival: As the name depicts it is one of the major festivals celebrated in the Bhoramdeo temple located at a distance of about 135 km from Raipur. It is also known as Khajuraho of Chattisgarh and if you visit it when the Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is held you are sure to be fascinated.
   
• Chakradhar Festival: Chakradhar festival is celebrated every year in the memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh who was a great musician and a skilled Kathak dancer. This festival is celebrated to promote the Indian classical music and dance.
   
• Goncha Festival: The Goncha Festival is one of the major festivals which depicts the unmatchable tribal culture of Chhattisgarh also known as Chariot Festival. If you can visit the district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh at the time of the Goncha Festival you will get the unique privilege to be a part of the festival that is truly one of its kind.
   
• Hariyali, Kora, Navakhani and Cherta Festivals: As the name depicts these are three different festivals celebrated in different time but are referred collectively as they are all agricultural festivals. The Hariyali, Kora and Navakhani Festivals are celebrated when the new crops are gleaned.
   
• Kajari Festival: The Kajari Festival is an important festival in Chhattisgarh and it is of particular importance to the farmers of the state as it hstarts the beginning of the sowing season for wheat and barley.
   
• Madai Festival: The Madai Festival is celebrated by people belonging to the Gond community with a lot of interest and excitement. The most important feature of the festival is that it is always celebrated in a large ground where it is possible to have a large gathering. After all it is on the occasion of Madai festival that relatives from far and wide come together to laugh, to make merry and to share the joys.

Must Visiting Places in Chhattisgarh:

• Mahamaya Temple, Raipur: The temple is located at the old fort area of the city. This ancient 11th century temple lying on the banks of River Khaaroon belongs to the Kalchuri era. The temple is dedicated to Devi Durga possessing all the good qualities and the power of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

• Champaran: It is located at distance of about 60kms away from Raipur; the village has a temple that was constructed as the honor of saint Vallabhacharya. Temple of Champakeshvara Mahadeva is located next to this temple. The village is swarmed by devotees on the anniversary of the birth of Saint Vallabhacharya. In the village is also located the Temple of Saint Vallabhacharya, the place of worship for the followers of the Vallabha Sect.

• Rajim, Raipur: It is situated at the distance of about 49kms on a bank of Mahanandi River. Here most of the prominent attraction is Rajivalochana Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the town, a black stone statue of the Buddha meditation under the Bhodhi Tree also found here.

• Bhilai Steel Plant: The plant is a major producer of steel plates and structural components. India’s only producer of steel rails, it was set up with the help of USSR. It is located at the distance of about 33kms from Raipur.

• Jatmai Temple: It is one of the most popular temple of this region situated in Gariaband, which is85 km away from Raipur. The temple is devoted to Mata Jatmai.The temple lies within the lush green forest.

• Barnawapara Sanctuary:-Situated at the distance of 103kms from Raipur in Mahasamund District of Chhattisgarh. The sanctuary was established in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which is spread over 245 sq km. It is the home of various species such as sloth bears, flying squirrels, tigers, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, porcupine, bison, jackals, four-horned antelopes, leopards, chinkara, black bucks.

As the name depicts The Rice Bowl Of India the staple crop of the state is Rice, Bajra, Jawar. Major dishes of Chhatisgarh are Chila, rice roll, angakar roti, thetri-khurmi, dhusaka, etc. A variety of namkeens and sweets are prepared and eaten at the slightest of occasions. Cashew Burfi,Khurma, Moong Dal Ka Halwa, Jalebi, Petha…these are some of the famous sweet food items enjoyed by the people. Bafuari is a typical local chana dal sweet of Chhattisgarh.