Culture of Chhattisgarh
Chattisgarh is one of the eminent rural states of India. The union of tribal and non tribal culture, the harmonization of eastern and western art as a result of the British imperialism has added an articulation in the rich ethnicity and culture of Chattisgarh.There was an intermingling of tribal and non- tribal culture , especially in the Baster region and for this reforms of the 17th century , peasant revolts were duly responsible. In spite of this, Hindu culture, with due emphasis of Ram cult, is widely prevalent and also is growing in leaps and bounds over the years.Chattisgarh has a heritage of robust culture. It has a treasure of enriched festivals, music cuisine, and lifestyle.
Music & Dance
Teejan Bai Pandwani artist Padmashree awardeeTraditional music and dance are performed with joy and merriment down the generations and thus become an integral part of the social traditions and also becomes an undeniable element of the rich culture of Chattisgarh These are also a source of recreation and entertainment for the regional folks. The admirers of these desi music and dance forms are pretty huge in number; their enchanting rhythm and melodies mesmerized them and they made frequent visits to this area. Pandwani is the musical narrative of the Mahabharata .Teejan Bhai the Padmashree awardee, is a renowned Pandwani artist who has hypnotized us with her unique style of dancing.The name of Ritu Verma is also familiar to us. Also Soowa dance form , the Panthi and the folk dance of shepherds namely "Raut Nacha are noteworthy.The dance styles ballets and comical plays, too, are in vogue. The people of this region love colours. They deck up with very colourful dresses while performing. Pandwani singing, bharthari and chandeni are famous forms of music from Chhattisgarh.
It is striking that for every joyful occasions songs were composed; Sohar songs are connected to birth of the child, to fete weddings, Bihav songs are composed. The main components of Bihav songs are Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni . There are other songs for special occasions of marriage like Bhanver, Dowery and Vidai songs. Pathoni songs are the somgs hummed at the time of departure of bride to groom`s residence. Loriya & acting songs of child are Dandi Pouha, Loriya, Fugdi, Kau-Mau, Chau-Mau, Khuduwa (Kakdi), In Chattisgarh , folk songs like Fag (songs for spring ), Baramasi (12 months), Sawnahi (songs of rainy seasons) are composed to commemorate seasons.Melodious songs were composed for various festivals. These are Cher-Chera songs , (celebrating growth of new crops, child songs), Dohe of Rout Nacha , Sua songs are sung at the time of Diwali jamboree.Territorial folk melodies are Goura songs , sung during the adorations of Shivji & Parvati in Dipawali, Mata Seva songs, songs of Nagpanchami, Janvara songs, Bhojali songs, Dhankul songs. Danda songs ,Karma songs, & Dewar songs are purely amusement songs.
People of Chhattisgarh
In rural areas women wear mala made of one rupee coins.Though this has gone out of trend these days.The people of this region are also known for creating humour out of language.Comical plays are very popular and are worth watching.The people also have a great tendency towards adopting new trends and life styles.Chhattisgarh thus is multicultural for people from all over the world have com and settled in this region.Chhattisgarhi people are also known for their simplicity Kind hearted ness and adaptibility.And this is the actual culture of Chhattisgarh.
Cuisine
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.
Different preparations of dals (lenthils) are cooked along with brinjal, potatoes, gourd, pumpkin and many green vegetables like cabbages, ladies finger, spinach. Pickles and `chutneys` are part and parcel of the cuisine of Chhatisgarhis. Most people have developed a taste for Arhar dal. Another common dish is `Bafauri` which is cooked from `Chana dal`.
There is a wide variety of sweet delicacies available for the people. Jalebi is hot- favourite to the people. Most favourite sweets of Chhatisgarh include `Laktho`, `Khurma`, `Balushahi`, `Anarasa`, `Khaja`, `Ladoo`, `Rasgulla`. Besides, Khaja, Kala Jamun, Peda and sumptuous halwas are indispensable for the sweet-lovers. A traditional sweet dish Maipua is prepared from flour, milk, sugar, ` mauri`. These mouthwatering delicacies gratify the hunger lust of Chhatisgarhis.
