Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

11 Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, a state located in central India, has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its various folk dances. Some of the popular folk dances of Chhattisgarh are:

Panthi:

Panthi - Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Panthi is a popular folk dance of Chhattisgarh that is performed during various festivals and occasions. It is a group dance that is performed by both men and women. The dance is characterized by fast-paced movements and rhythmic footwork.

Raut Nacha:

Raut Nacha is a traditional folk dance of the Yadav community in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the annual festival of Diwali and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The dance involves men dressed as Krishna and his companions performing various acrobatic and dance movements.

Karma:

Karma is a popular tribal dance of Chhattisgarh that is performed by the Gonds and Baigas. It is performed during the Karma festival, which is celebrated during the spring season. The dance is characterized by rhythmic footwork, clapping, and singing.

Pandavani:

Pandavani is a traditional storytelling form that originated in Chhattisgarh. It is performed by the Bards or Charans who are known for their storytelling skills. The stories are based on the epic Mahabharata and are accompanied by music and dance.

Suwa Dance:

Suwa Dance - Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Suwa dance is a traditional dance form of the Kamar tribe in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the Suwa festival, which is celebrated in the month of August. The dance involves women dressed in colorful attire performing various dance movements.

Saila Dance:

Saila Dance - Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Saila dance is a popular folk dance of the Bhil tribe in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during various festivals and occasions. The dance involves both men and women performing various dance movements while holding sticks.

Gendi:

Gendi is a popular folk dance of the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the festival of Holi and involves men and women dancing in a circle while holding a small ball or gendi in their hands. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments like the dholak and nagada.

Kaksar:

Kaksar - Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Kaksar is a traditional dance form of the Raj Gonds in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during various religious and social occasions. The dance involves both men and women dressed in traditional attire and dancing to the beats of the dhol and other instruments.

Cherchera:

Cherchera is a traditional dance form of the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the Cherchera festival, which is celebrated in the month of January. The dance involves men and women dancing in a circle while holding hands and singing devotional songs.

Khada Nacha:

Khada Nacha is a traditional folk dance of the Raj Gonds in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the festival of Navratri and involves men and women dancing in a circle while holding sticks. The dance is characterized by fast-paced movements and acrobatic feats.

Each of these folk dances has its own unique style and cultural significance. They provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh and are an important part of the state’s cultural identity.

Festival Time

Sure, here are the festivals and the time of the year they are celebrated in Chhattisgarh:

  1. Hareli: Hareli is a festival that is celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August). It is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of the agricultural season. People offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for a bountiful harvest.
  2. Teeja: Teeja is a festival that is celebrated by women in the month of Bhadrapad (August-September). It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Women dress up in traditional attire and apply henna on their hands.
  3. Navratri: Navratri is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October). It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. People observe fasts and offer prayers to the goddess.
  4. Diwali: Diwali is a festival of lights that is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October-November). It is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People light up their homes with diyas and candles and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and good fortune.
  5. Karma: Karma is a festival that is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March). It is a tribal festival that is celebrated by the Gonds and Baigas. People offer prayers to their ancestors and seek their blessings for a good harvest.
  6. Dussehra: Dussehra is a festival that is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September-October). It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. People perform Ramlila and burn effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath.
  7. Pola: Pola is a festival that is celebrated in the month of Shravan (July-August). It is a festival of the farmers and is dedicated to the bulls and oxen that help in plowing the fields. The bulls and oxen are decorated with colorful clothes and ornaments, and a puja is performed to seek their blessings for a good harvest.
  8. Goncha: Goncha is a festival that is celebrated by the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh. It is a festival of the spring season and is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). People offer prayers to their gods and goddesses for a good harvest and prosperity.
  9. Madai: Madai is a festival that is celebrated by the Gonds in Chhattisgarh. It is a festival of the winter season and is celebrated in the month of Margashirsha (December-January). People offer prayers to their ancestors and seek their blessings for a good harvest.
  10. Cherta: Cherta is a festival that is celebrated by the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh. It is a festival of the spring season and is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). People offer prayers to their gods and goddesses and seek their blessings for prosperity and happiness.
  11. Bhoramdeo Mahotsav: Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is a cultural festival that is held every year in the month of March-April. It is held at the Bhoramdeo temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh and features music, dance, and other cultural events.

These festivals are an integral part of the social and cultural life of Chhattisgarh. They reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state and provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their traditions and customs.

How to reach Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a state located in central India and is well connected by air, road, and rail networks. Here are some ways to reach Chhattisgarh:

  1. By Air: The capital city of Raipur has an airport, Swami Vivekananda Airport, which is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Other cities like Bilaspur and Jagdalpur also have airports with limited connectivity.
  2. By Train: Chhattisgarh has a well-developed railway network with several major railway stations. Some of the important railway stations in Chhattisgarh are Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, and Jagdalpur. These stations are well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
  3. By Road: Chhattisgarh has a well-developed road network with several national highways and state highways connecting the state to other parts of the country. The state-run Chhattisgarh State Transport Corporation (CSTC) and private operators provide regular bus services to various cities in the state and neighboring states.
  4. By Car: Self-driving is also an option for those who want to explore the state on their own. The major cities in Chhattisgarh are connected by good roads and highways. Car rental services are also available in major cities.

Chhattisgarh is a beautiful state with many interesting tourist destinations, including natural attractions, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and preferences to explore this vibrant and diverse state.

FAQ

  • What is the best time to visit Chhattisgarh?

The best time to visit Chhattisgarh is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. This is the ideal time to explore the natural beauty of the state and enjoy outdoor activities.

  • What are the popular tourist destinations in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh has several popular tourist destinations, including the Chitrakote Waterfalls, Bastar district, Sirpur, Kanger Valley National Park, and Raipur, among others.

  • What are some of the famous dishes of Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh has a rich culinary heritage, and some of the famous dishes of the state include poha, chila, bhajia, sabudana ki khichdi, fara, and muthiya, among others.

  • What is the traditional dress of Chhattisgarh?

The traditional dress of Chhattisgarh varies from region to region. Women typically wear colorful saris with matching blouses, while men wear dhoti-kurta or a shirt with a lungi or a turban.

  • What are the major festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh?

Some of the major festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh include Dussehra, Bastar Dussehra, Navratri, Holi, and Diwali, among others. These festivals are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor.

Share this article:
Previous Post: 11 Festivals of Manipur

May 12, 2023 - In Blog

Next Post: Gayatri Waterfalls

May 13, 2023 - In Blog

Related Posts

2 Comments

  • Dinesh
    September 6, 2023

    Good post . nice informations

  • Felix Simon
    September 6, 2023

    Super

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.