Chhattisgarh was formed in the year 2000, along with the states of Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand on the grounds of distinct ethnicity and culture. On its 20th birthday, it is essential to look back at the unique culture of this amazing state. 

The cultural imprint of the state can be traced directly to the tribes that form a total of a third of the state’s population; backward castes constitute the other and more dominant section of the state. 

The Economic Development and Cultural Journey

The per capita income of Chhattisgarh, when founded, was INR 10,744. In 2019-20, it grew manifold to become INR 98,413. But as it happens to be the case, economic development and culture are at odds with each other. Since the cultural roots of the state are very deep, coming from the indigenous people of the state who have been since ages, intimately connected with their environment, with land, rivers, forests, and animals. Economic developments such as mining, factories, and plants, deforestations have profoundly influenced the cultural core of Chhattisgarhi people who had to face displacement and search for new sources of livelihood. 

Over these 20 years, governments have focused on the preservation of the culture and way of life through various policies. NarvaGarwa GhurwaBaari, which aims at rejuvenation of rivers and rivulets through rainwater harvesting, is one such scheme. There is still a vast scope to do much more.  

The Culture of Dancing, Singing, and Celebration

The folk culture of CG is full of dance, celebration, mythology, and songs. 
One of the world’s foremost anthropologists, Varrier Elvin, devoted a large part of his life to studying the tribes of this region. He called the folk dance “Gaur Nritya” the most beautiful dance in the world. 

Gaur Nritya, Chhattisgarh

Every festival is accompanied with dancing and singing, Navakhani, Ganga Dushhara, Bastar Dussehra, Sarhul  Chherka, Dushara, Karma, Kartika and Hareli, are prominent festivals where celebrations find its culmination with unique dance forms and folk songs that lit the lives of those who sing and those who listen. Prominent tribal songs are: 

  • Sohar – expressing the happiness of a new baby’s arrival
  • Bihav and Pathoni songs celebrate a new bond, as  well as in sadness about the new bride’s departure from her home, gouna. 
  • Bihav or marriage songs such as Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni are popular and inspire many modern day songs.
  • Cher-Chera is sung to welcome the new crop season, especially during Navakhani.

Most Chhattisarghi folk songs are linked with mythology, e.g. the Goura, Mata Seva, Janvara, Bhojali, Dhankul. 

Other significant tribal folk mythological songs are Karma, Danda, and Dewar are highly entertaining. 
The tribal people of Chhattisgarh mainly speak two languages, and they are Gondi and Chhattisgarhi.

Art and Craft
Varrier Elvin fell in love with the people of this region and even married a Raj Gond tribal girl called Kosi, had these words to say: 

“Is it eccentric to live in beautiful scenery in the hills among some of the most charming people in the country, even though they may be ignorant and poor?” – Verrier Elwin 

Dhokra or Bell Metal Art
Tribes of Bastar were the first ones to mould the metals into stunning expressions of art. Bastar and Raigarh districts of Chhattisgarh are known for Dhokra art, wherein bell metal is commonly used to make full figurines.  

There are many forms of arts such as terracotta, wood craft, wrought iron, stone carving /painting, bamboo craft, painting etc. 

Kosa Silk, The Finest From Chhattisgarh
Kosa silk is drawn from the cocoons on the Saja, Arjun, and Sal trees. Chhattisgarh is emerging as a leading state in the field of Kosa production. Bilaspur, Korba, Churi, Chanderpur, Sarangarh, Raigarh, Champa of Chhattisgarh are known for Kosa silk and are mainly produced by the Dewangan community. It is the main livelihood for some of the villagers in the nearby districts, and government schemes have helped many to produce more and set up units. 

Vibrant Culture 
The cultural fabric of the state is so rich and reflects the diverse and spiritual life of the honest and loving people of Chhattisgarh. There is something simplistic to get elegant about Chattisgarghi people; to know more about various aspects of this vibrant state, please follow us and keep reading!