Chhattisgarh

The months from October to March are the best time for visiting Chhattisgarh.

Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Hindi, the official language of Chhattisgarh, is the most widely spoken language, followed by Chhattisgarhi.

The cultural life of Chhattisgarh is a mixture of various forms of tribal dances, folk songs, traditional art and crafts, regional festivals, and fairs. The tribal people preserve their rich culture modestly and religiously. People of Chhattisgarh are simple and they follow their traditional customs and beliefs.

Chhattisgarh has been home to many tribals. Even this state has been home to the oldest tribal community of India and it is believed that the ancient tribals were living in Bastar for more than 10000 years. Later, after some time, the Aryans took possession of the Indian mainland.

The main tribal community of Chhattisgarh state includes Bhujia Korba – Korwa, Bastar – Gond, Abizmaria, Bisonhorn Maria, Muria, Halba, Bhatra, Parja, Dhurva Dantewara – Muria, Dandami Mariya alias Gond, Dorla, Halba Korea – Kol, Gond, Savra, Gond, Rajgond, Kavar, Bhayana , Binjwar, Dhanwar Bilaspur and Raipur – Parghi, Savra, Manji, Bhayana Garibandh, Mainpur, Dhura, Dhamtari – Kamar Surguja and Jashpur – Munda.

Chhattisgarh has several tribal and ethnic groups, who have their creative and unique take on fabrics, apparels, and their clothing style. The women love to flaunt their tribal designs in their traditional as well as modern wear.

Chhattisgarh is known as “Rice Bowl of India” so rice is heavily consumed in their food. While their staple food includes Wheat, Millets, Rice flour, High Protein Lentils, Bajra, Maize, and Jawar. Their cuisines are influenced by neighboring states.

The culture of Chhattisgarh is based on the celebration of some festivals, apart from the main festival like Deepawali Holi, Durga puja they have their own unique tribal celebrations.

The main festivals at Chhattisgarh are Hareli festival, Bhagoria Festival, Bhoramdeo Festival, Fagun Wadai, Pola Festival, and Teeja Festival. Dusshera is the most popular celebration of Chhattisgarh especially Bastar Dusshera. Dusshera in Bastar is entirely not quite the same as the Dusshera of North India. Bastar Dusshera is committed totally to goddess Danteshwari and celebrated with awesome joy by every real tribe of Bastar.

Chhattisgarh is an amalgamation of various tribes and each has its own dance forms. Most of the folk dances of Chhattisgarh are performed as a part of rituals in reverence to Gods and changing seasons. Each dance forms have special costumes and accessories and is perfect synchronization which will leave you mesmerized.

Seahorse-shaped Chhattishgarh has a tropical climate that can generally be divided into three seasons: summer (April to June), winter (October to March) and monsoon (July to September). The best time to visit Chhattisgarh is in winter, when the weather is generally dry, the landscapes are lush and green after the heavy rains earlier in the year, and the temperatures are much more manageable, 19°C to 35°C, than they are in the summer when it can easily reach 45°C. Winter also sees many tribal festivals and cultural events taking place, and the reopening of the famous caves of Kanger Valley National Park. And even though it’s peak visitor season, Chhattisgarh still never gets crowded.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

You can easily get around the cities in Chhattisgarh by using the public means of transport in the state. You can choose to ride the CSRTC buses that will take you to almost all the places, especially the attractions.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

• Hire a local guide.
• Don’t take sides on sensitive topics.
• Be aware of current developments.
• Respect local and tribal culture.
• Don’t show any ties with media, the establishment or the anti-establishment.
• Be truthful.