Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh a state in central India, formed when the sixteen Chhattisgarhi-speaking southeastern districts of Madhya Pradesh gained statehood on November 1, 2000. Raipur serves as its capital. It is the 10th largest state of India by area of 52,199 sq mi(135,194 km²). Chhattisgarh takes its name from 36 (Chattis is thirty-six in Hindi and Garh is Fort) princely states in this region from very old times, though the listing of these 36 states has always remained a point of dispute.
It borders Madhya Pradesh on the northwest, Maharashtra on the west, Andhra Pradesh on the south, Orissa on the east, Jharkhand on the northeast and Uttar Pradesh on the north.
The Chhattisgarhi language, a dialect of eastern Hindi, is a predominant language in the state, recognized along with Hindi as the official language of the state . In addition, many tribal and some Dravidian influenced dialects or languages are spoken in various parts of Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh is the central state of the union of India and is now-a-days one of the burgeoning tourist destinations of India. People are bound to get captivated by its culture that finds expression in its dance styles, cuisine, and music. The culture of Chhattisgarh speaks for the state and is quite apparent in the lifestyle of the local people. From the normal day routine to any auspicious occasion, Chhattisgarh embodies the essence of true Indianness.
The ethnic class of the people has contributed a lot to the rich cultural background of Chhattisgarh. Lots of people have settled in this region from different parts of the country. The nature of the local language is such that the people of this region are recognized for their ability to use their language to humorous effect. The people can adapt themselves easily to the new lifestyle and anything that is in vogue. Thus one clearly gets the picture of the rich culture of Chhattisgarh that manifests itself in every aspect of the local people’s style of living.
Chhattisgarh flaunts its own unique dance styles, cuisine, & music. “Raut Nacha” (The folk dance of cowherds), Panthi and Soowa dance styles are very popular in the region. The people‘s love for colors is manifested in the various aspects of their daily lives. They wear multihued dresses. Women are generally draped in sarees with Kardhani. The people are simple, affable and kindhearted.
The Culture and tradition of Chhattisgarh manifests itself through popular folk plays that are Chandaini-Gonda, Sonha-Bihan, Lorik-Chanda, Kari, Hareli, Gammatiha. Rahas which happens to be the modern folk play of Chhattisgarh should not be missed out if one is going for a tour to Chhattisgarh. Every occasion is marked by a folk song which is sung by the elderly women and the occasion may relate to child birth, marriage celebration and lots more.
If you are planning your vacations in Chhattisgarh, ifn you are planning a vacation to Chhattisgarh, you’ll love the experience of exploring the rich culture of Chhattisgarh.

The cuisine of Chhatisgarhis follows the typical Oriental style. They are prone towards using lots of spices, flavors and aroma in their food. The typical culture of Chattisgarh ideally unfolds the fact that garam masala is a spice mixture widely prevalent in this area and in fact they can not think of preparing meals without adding handful of oil, cream, ghee, butter and `dalda` into them. Sunflower and canola are mostly used vegetable oils used in the cooking. Rice, bread, `rotis` are commonly savored by the people. Wheat, jowar, bazra are the staple food for the people. The Chhatisgarhis are also fond of typical non- vegetarion items like chicken, eggs, meat. Especially the tribes, relish chicken, mutton, beaf without roasting or grinding. An energizer `Sattu` and a fast food `Litti`or `Choka` are common eatables for the tribal communities.

Kawardha Palace""1The appeal of the region`s scenic beauty attract tourists from all over India. The green forests, scenic hills , meandering rivers , beautiful villages of tribal folks are noteable features of the region, thus making it, an ideal abode of eco-tourism. Being the birth place of kingdoms of royal dynasties like Mauryas , it is the ideal place for the historians and sociologists to explore. It is a place of marvelous temples and architectural wonders and all offers an eloquent diction to the rich culture of Chattisgarh. All these factors initiated the State Government to raise the tourism industry of the state. In Raipur , the capital of the state, Hotel Madhuban and Hotel Mayura were constructed. Besides, there is a line of Heritage hotels in Chhatisgarh. The exotic royal palaces, thus , are converted to luxuriant hotels, incorporating all modern amenities to the tourists. Palaces like Kawardha , Kankaer are the illustrious examples enmeshing both graceful hospitality and glances of Indian regal inheritance . Due to the close proximity to the tribal communities the tourists can also enjoy to their hearts` content, the wonderful and pleasant aspects of tribal society. The restaurants had an ample supply of multi-ethnic food : Chinese, continental, Indian, Mughlai.