Fairs and festivals of Chhattisgarh 3

Chackradhara Samaroh

Raigarh located in Chhattisgarh has climbed the stairs of popularity pretty fast and has carved its own place in the cultural scenario of India. Several illustrious Kathak Dancers as well as Classical Singers were born here. One of the notable names amongst them is that of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was Raigarh’s erstwhile king. He was a grand patron of dance and music too. Besides being a skilled dancer, Maharaja Chakradhar Singh could also play the tabla pretty well. There are several books on music that were penned by him. In brief, Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was nothing short of a multi faceted genius. Chakradhar Samaroh of Raigarh is held to commemorate the memory of this great Personality.

The Chakradhar Festival in Raigarh is celebrated every year during Ganesh Chaturthi. The date of this musical fiesta is fixed on the basis of the Hindu calendar. It approximately corresponds to either the month of September or October of the Gregorian calendar.

Chakradhar Samaroh at Raigarh is jointly organized by Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra and Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy, with the sturdy co-operation of the District Administration. This festival pays homage to the memory of the illustrious King and Musician Chakradhar Singh. It was largely due to the painstaking efforts of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh that Raigarh became famous as Chhattisgarh’s cultural capital.

Each year at Raigarh Chakradhar Samaroh, dancers as well as musicians come from different parts of India in order to exhibit their talents. It is a magnificent opportunity for these performers to showcase their endowments. Chakradhar Festival in Chhattisgarh would offer you the wonderful chance to observe the programs put forward by several stalwarts at the same time. The exceptional caliber possessed by these performers is quite apparent in their feats. Festivals like these mirror the rich cultural legacy of our country.

Folk artistes also form an essential part of this festival held in Raigarh. The functions comprise of outstanding performances by these folk artistes too. It would not be an overstatement to say that you will remain impressed and enchanted by the shows presented at this Raigarh event. Enjoyable and enthralling at the same time, the performances at Chakradhar Samaroh, Raigarh would transfer you to an entirely different musical world. One’s interest and curiosity in the arena of Performing Arts would get a huge boost subsequent to a visit to this Chakradhar Samaroh of Raigarh.

Charta Festival

Charta Festival is the harvest festival of Chhattisgarh. The festival is celebrated in Koriya district of the state. Charta festival falls on the poornima or full moon day of the Hindu month of Paush in December end or beginning of January.

The festival is celebrated by all tribal communities in the region. The festival is marked by the grand feast on the banks of near by water bodies. All people eagerly wait for the most awaited festival. Celebration begins from the morning by the preparation of special mid day meal at their home. Later in the day, kids of the village gather and move to different houses for collecting rice grains. The collection is later cooked by married females of the Society on the banks of water bodies, which is enjoyed and eaten as a grand feast.

The festivity is marked by the joyous ambience created by the dancing and singing Population of the region while waiting for the grand feast.

Navakhana Festival

Navakhana Festival is a popular festival of Chhattisgarh which is celebrated every year in the month of Bhadrapad. This festival is celebrated by all the communities and announces the harvesting of rice crop. During the festival the newly harvested rice is offered to the family deity on the 9th day (Navami ) of Bhadrapad month. At some communities dance programs are also organized at the night after consuming the newly harvested rice.

Navakhana is the post harvest festival of Chhattisgarh and celebrated every year in the Hindu month of Bhadrapad or Bhadav (September). Navakhana falls on the bright fortnight of 9th day or Navmi of Bhadav by the Gond tribe.

This festival marks the harvest of rice crop. People present the new harvested crop and liquor as offering before the family deity. Presenting new rice grains and eating dish prepared by the dame is considered very auspicious in the region. Communal dance programs are also organized at night.

Surhul Festival

This festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth but has nothing to do with the harvest. The festive celebrations are held after the blooming of Sal trees. During this festival nobody touches the fields throughout the day and the farmers offer prayers at a small forest within the village.

Chhattisgarh is a state that is acclaimed for a large number of reasons. The state is not just a thriving focal point of modern undertaking with rich mineral assets, it additionally possesses large amounts of social events. The social blend of Chhattisgarhi Cultures is showed in its various fairs of which the Earth Festival merits extraordinary notice. The general population of Chhattisgarh rely on upon a fundamentally agrarian economy. The nearby tenants are a profoundly religious and superstitious part who solidly have faith in worshiping Mother Earth. Without the liberal blessing of Mother Earth, the grounds would not turn a fruitful cocoa and yield stores of ready, brilliant product.

Actually, they expect that on maddening the prolific area, the wellspring of their wage dry seasons and starvation would strike the state and brownish fixes and breaks and gaps would develop on the ripe fields that would take after the cover up of a panther. In this manner the tribal occupants of Chhattisgarh praise the Earth Festival with pageantry and greatness. Otherwise called the Surhul Festival or the Mati Puja, the merry festivals begin in the excellent and happy months of spring. Amid the months of March and April, nature is brilliant in its crisp abundance and the lively hues and new trusts and guarantees lift the spirits of the workers and the yeomen.

Surhul or Earth celebration festivities are totally isolated from harvest of yields. A religious celebration in soul, the celebration is essentially worried with worshiping the revered Mother Earth. The general population enthusiastically and quietly anticipate the favorable day when the Sal trees are secured in thriving blooms. To pay a tribute to the Goddess, the towns avoid their fields and intensely ask in the woodlands of the towns and villages. No cultivating related exercises are directed that day.

Thus the tribal inhabitants of Chhattisgarh celebrate the Earth Festival with pomp and grandeur. Also known as the Surhul Festival or the Mati Puja, the festive celebrations commence in the beautiful and cheerful months of spring. During the months of March and April, nature is resplendent in its fresh bounty and the vibrant colors and new hopes and promises lift the spirits of the peasants and the yeomen. Surhul or Earth festival celebrations are completely segregated from harvest of crops. A religious festival in spirit, the festival is primarily concerned with worshiping the venerable Mother Earth and seeking her benison. The people eagerly and patiently await the auspicious day when the Sal trees are covered in flourishing blossoms. To pay a tribute to the Goddess, the villages stay away from their fields and fervently pray in the forests of the villages and hamlets. No farming related activities are conducted that day. it is part of Chhattisgarh sanskriti.

Mati Puja

Mati Puja festival is celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.

People worship the mother Earth on the occasion for getting blessed with ample yield of crops for the coming season.The festival holds the special importance in this region as people earn their living by farming and totally dependent on their crop yield every year.

his festival is mostly famous in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. This festival has different other names. Like in the central Bastar Mati Puja is known as Maati Ti’aar and in the south region of Bastar this festival is known as Beeja Pandum.<?p>

During Mati Puja people worship the mother earth for getting blessed with yield of crops for the coming season. This festival is famous in this state, in this region because most of the people in this region earn their livelihood by farming and thus they seek the blessings of the earth god for a good harvest year.

The festival is marked by various rituals and rites to please the earth god.

Sheorinarayan Fair

The small sleepy town of Sheorinarayan is the venue of the Sheorinarayan Fair. Located in the Janjgir district of Chhattisgarh, Sheorinarayan is positioned at the confluence of three rivers. The Rivers Mahanadi, Sheonath and Jonk meet here. A temple in honor of Lord Rama dating back to the 13th century is to be seen here.

The conversion of temple premises into fair grounds is a fairly common trend in India. In keeping with this tradition, the Sheorinarayan temple hosts the Sheorinarayan fair. These kinds of fairs held in Chhattisgarh showcase the multihued culture of the land.

Description of the Sheorinarayan Fair in Chhattisgarh

A fresh lease of life is enthused into the town of Sheorinarayan at the time of this fair. There is cheerfulness in the Atmosphere of this pilgrimage centre when the fair is held. Actually the Sheorinarayan Fair in Chhattisgarh is a wonderful occasion for the devotees of Lord Rama to come and visit the temple as well as be a part of this colorful and vibrant fiesta.

The followers of this legendary hero Ram offer their prayers at the Sheorinarayan temple. They have ample scope to move around and visit the various shops that are set up at the time of the fair. The shops house a variety of items. Drop in to any of the eating joints that are there and you will surely like the unique taste of these relatively low priced snacks. The fair ground bustles with a lot of activity and it is a treat to watch so many colorful people in such large numbers wandering about. The happy expressions on these bright faces who are so content with the little things of life give pleasure to the onlookers as well. The sights and sounds are very diverse.

Time for celebrating the Sheorinarayan Fair in Chhattisgarh

The Sheorinarayan Fair is held on Magh Purnima, which is the full moon day in the month of Magh. The date is fixed following the Hindu calendar but it more or less corresponds to the month of February in the Gregorian calendar.

Rajim Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is one of the holiest gathering of pilgrims in the world. Most people know of Kumbha Mela and its four holy locations, but a secret is that there is a fifth Kumbh Mela. Rajim Kumbh Mela is popular gathering of Vaishnaviites, the followers of lord Vishnu. Rajim is located near the convergence of Mahanadi, Sondur and Pairi rivers. The Rajimalochana Temple is well known for being the venue of the Rajim Kumbh Mela.

Rajim Kumbh starts from Magh Purnima and continues for 15 days. Rajim Kumbh Mela in 2017 will start on 10 February and conclude on 24 February. There are hordes of religious preachers and saints from every nook and corner of country.

History

Rajim has been a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries. The small town of Rajim in Chhattisgarh, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, is renowned because of its rich historical past and its varied cultural heritage. The Rajim Lochan Mahotsav is the biggest spiritual event and attracts a large number of visitors. In recent years, a lot of initiative has also been taken by the Ministry of Tourism in Chhattisgarh to organize the Rajim Kumbh Mela on a more impressive scale.

Celebration

The Rajim Kumbha Mela is a visual treat. Holy pious saints, devotees and many colorful people gather at the same place for the divine festivities. This mela gives you a wonderful opportunity to witness the history, culture and attractions of Chhattisgarh.

Special puja is performed at 3.00 A.M. on the day that marks the beginning of Rajim Mela. Kuleshwar Mahadev and Shri Rajiv Lochan temples are visited by people and offerings are made. Devotees take a holy bath in Triveni Sangam. A ritual named ‘Kalash Yatra’ of rows of Women bearing pitcher heads towards Mahanadi and from there they fill these pitchers and again carry them back to Mahadev temple.

Many cultural programs are a part of the celebration. The festival also hosts performances of the talented singers and dancers. Interesting dramas are also enacted by the local artistes. Many folk artistes of exceptional talent are a major attraction in these functions held on the occasion of Rajim Lochan Mahotsav.

Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions, and its people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Chhattisgarh include:

Chaiti Dussehra: This festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April) to mark the victory of good over evil. It is a time for people to come together and enjoy music, dance, and feasting.
Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav: This festival is celebrated in the month of November to commemorate the formation of the state of Chhattisgarh. It is a time for people to celebrate their culture and heritage.
Durga puja: This festival is celebrated in the month of October-November to worship the goddess Durga. It is a time for people to pray for good Health and prosperity.
Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is celebrated in the month of August-September to worship the god Ganesha. It is a time for people to pray for wisdom and good luck.
Jatra: This is a type of folk festival that is celebrated in many parts of Chhattisgarh. It is a time for people to come together and enjoy music, dance, and drama.
Khijri Mela: This fair is held in the month of May to celebrate the harvest. It is a time for people to buy and sell agricultural produce, as well as enjoy entertainment and food.
Maha Shivratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February-March to worship the god Shiva. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Navratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of September-October to worship the goddess Durga. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Paika Utsav: This festival is celebrated in the month of February-March to commemorate the Paik Rebellion. It is a time for people to remember the sacrifices made by the Paiks, who fought against the British East India Company.
Raja Parba: This festival is celebrated in the month of June-July to mark the beginning of the monsoon season. It is a time for people to pray for good rains and a bountiful harvest.
Sarhul: This festival is celebrated in the month of April-May to mark the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to worship the trees and Plants, and to pray for a good harvest.
Shivaratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February-March to worship the god Shiva. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Teerath Yatra: This pilgrimage is undertaken by Hindus to visit the holy shrines of Chhattisgarh. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Urs Mela: This fair is held in the month of December to celebrate the birth of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is a time for people to pray for good health and prosperity.
Vaisakhi: This festival is celebrated in the month of April to mark the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for people to celebrate the Sikh New Year.
Worli Mahotsav: This festival is celebrated in the month of February to mark the arrival of spring. It is a time for people to enjoy music, dance, and feasting.

These are just a few of the many fairs and festivals that are celebrated in Chhattisgarh. Each festival has its own unique traditions and customs, and they all offer a glimpse into the rich culture of this vibrant state.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about fairs and festivals in Chhattisgarh:

What are some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Chhattisgarh?

Some of the most popular fairs and festivals in Chhattisgarh include the Bastar Dussehra, the Magh Mela, and the Chaitra Navratras.

What are some of the unique features of these fairs and festivals?

Each of these fairs and festivals has its own unique features. The Bastar Dussehra is known for its colorful processions and performances, the Magh Mela is a large religious gathering, and the Chaitra Navratras are a time for fasting and worship.

What are some of the traditions and customs associated with these fairs and festivals?

There are many traditions and customs associated with these fairs and festivals. For example, during the Bastar Dussehra, people dress up in traditional costumes and perform folk dances. During the Magh Mela, people take a dip in the holy river Ganges. And during the Chaitra Navratras, people fast and worship the goddess Durga.

What are some of the benefits of attending these fairs and festivals?

There are many benefits to attending these fairs and festivals. They are a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh. They are also a lot of fun!

What are some of the challenges of attending these fairs and festivals?

One of the challenges of attending these fairs and festivals is the large crowds. It can be difficult to find a place to stay or to get around. Another challenge is the heat. The weather in Chhattisgarh can be very hot during the summer months.

What are some tips for attending these fairs and festivals?

Here are some tips for attending these fairs and festivals:

Plan ahead. Make sure you know when the fair or festival is taking place and how you will get there.
Pack Light. You will be doing a lot of walking, so you don’t want to be carrying a lot of stuff.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, so you want to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes.
Stay hydrated. The weather in Chhattisgarh can be very hot, so it is important to stay hydrated.
Be respectful of the local culture. Be aware of the local customs and traditions and dress appropriately.
Have fun! These fairs and festivals are a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh. They are also a lot of fun!

Which of the following is not a fair or festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh?
(A) Maghi Mela
(B) Bastar Dussehra
(C) Hareli
(D) Chhath Puja
Maghi Mela is celebrated in which month?
(A) January
(B) February
(C) March
(D) April
Bastar Dussehra is celebrated in which month?
(A) October
(B) November
(C) December
(D) January
Hareli is celebrated in which month?
(A) June
(B) July
(C) August
(D) September
Chhath Puja is celebrated in which month?
(A) November
(B) December
(C) January
(D) February
Which of the following is not a dish associated with Chhattisgarh?
(A) Pitha
(B) Lavang Ladoo
(C) Dal Baati
(D) Rasagulla
Pitha is a type of which of the following?
(A) Sweet
(B) Savoury
(C) Both sweet and savoury
(D) Neither sweet nor savoury
Lavang Ladoo is a type of which of the following?
(A) Sweet
(B) Savoury
(C) Both sweet and savoury
(D) Neither sweet nor savoury
Dal Baati is a type of which of the following?
(A) Sweet
(B) Savoury
(C) Both sweet and savoury
(D) Neither sweet nor savoury
Rasagulla is a type of which of the following?
(A) Sweet
(B) Savoury
(C) Both sweet and savoury
(D) Neither sweet nor savoury
Which of the following is not a dance associated with Chhattisgarh?
(A) Danda Nacha
(B) Karma dance
(C) Ghoomar
(D) Bhangra
Danda Nacha is a type of which of the following?
(A) Folk dance
(B) Classical dance
(C) Both folk and classical dance
(D) Neither folk nor classical dance
Karma dance is a type of which of the following?
(A) Folk dance
(B) Classical dance
(C) Both folk and classical dance
(D) Neither folk nor classical dance
Ghoomar is a type of which of the following?
(A) Folk dance
(B) Classical dance
(C) Both folk and classical dance
(D) Neither folk nor classical dance
Bhangra is a type of which of the following?
(A) Folk dance
(B) Classical dance
(C) Both folk and classical dance
(D) Neither folk nor classical dance
Which of the following is not a musical instrument associated with Chhattisgarh?
(A) Dhol
(B) Mahuri
(C) Sitar
(D) Tabla
Dhol is a type of which of the following?
(A) Percussion instrument
(B) Stringed instrument
(C) Wind instrument
(D) None of the above
Mahuri is a type of which of the following?
(A) Percussion instrument
(B) Stringed instrument
(C) Wind instrument
(D) None of the above
Sitar is a type of which of the following?
(A) Percussion instrument
(B) Stringed instrument
(C) Wind instrument
(D) None of the above
Tabla is a type of which of the following?
(A) Percussion instrument
(B) Stringed instrument
(C) Wind instrument
(D) None of the above