Fairs and festivals of Chhattisgarh - 3 | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Chackradhara Samaroh

• Raigarh, located in Chhattisgarh, has rapidly gained popularity and established itself as a significant cultural hub in India. The town has produced several illustrious Kathak dancers and classical singers, with one of the most notable figures being Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, the former king of Raigarh. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was a devoted patron of dance and music, excelling as both a skilled dancer and a proficient tabla player. He also authored several books on music, showcasing his multi-faceted genius. The Chakradhar Samaroh is held in Raigarh to honor the memory of this remarkable personality.
• The Chakradhar Festival in Raigarh is celebrated annually during Ganesh Chaturthi, with the dates determined by the Hindu calendar, typically falling in September or October in the Gregorian calendar.
• The Chakradhar Samaroh is jointly organized by Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra and Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy, with strong support from the District Administration. This festival pays tribute to the legacy of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, whose tireless efforts contributed to Raigarh’s reputation as the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh.
• Each year, the Chakradhar Samaroh in Raigarh attracts dancers and musicians from across India to showcase their talents. It offers a unique opportunity for these performers to display their skills, with the festival serving as a platform for observing the exceptional abilities of many renowned artists. Such festivals reflect the rich cultural heritage of India.
• Folk artists also play a crucial role in this festival, contributing outstanding performances to the event. The shows presented at the Raigarh festival are sure to leave a lasting impression, captivating and enchanting the audience. The Chakradhar Samaroh provides an enjoyable and immersive experience, transporting attendees to a different musical world and significantly enhancing their interest and curiosity in the performing arts.

Charta Festival

• Charta Festival is the harvest festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated primarily in the Koriya district. The festival takes place on the poornima, or full moon day, of the Hindu month of Paush, which usually falls at the end of December or the beginning of January.
• This festival is celebrated by all the tribal communities in the region and is marked by a grand feast near local water bodies. The festivities begin in the morning with the preparation of a special mid-day meal at home. Later in the day, village children gather and go from house to house to collect rice grains. These collected grains are then cooked by the married women of the community near the water bodies, where everyone comes together to enjoy the grand feast.
• The joyous atmosphere of the Charta Festival is enhanced by the dancing and singing of the people as they await the feast.

Navakhana Festival

• Navakhana Festival is another popular harvest festival in Chhattisgarh, celebrated annually in the month of Bhadrapad (September). This festival is observed by all communities and marks the beginning of the rice harvest season. On the 9th day (Navami) of Bhadrapad, the newly harvested rice is offered to the family deity.
• During the festival, it is considered very auspicious to present the newly harvested rice grains and to eat dishes prepared from them. In some communities, dance programs are organized at night following the consumption of the new rice. The Gond tribe, in particular, celebrates Navakhana on the bright fortnight of the 9th day of Bhadav, and the festival involves offering both the new rice crop and liquor to the family deity. Communal dances and celebrations are an integral part of this festival.

Surhul Festival

• This festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Earth, but it is not associated with the harvest. The celebrations take place after the Sal trees have bloomed. During this festival, no one touches the fields, and farmers offer prayers in a small forest within the village.
• Chhattisgarh is a state renowned for many reasons. Beyond being a hub of modern enterprise with rich mineral resources, it is also rich in cultural events. The diverse blend of Chhattisgarhi culture is evident in its numerous fairs, among which the Earth Festival, also known as the Surhul Festival or Mati Puja, deserves special mention. The people of Chhattisgarh rely heavily on an agrarian economy, and they hold a deep religious and superstitious belief in worshiping Mother Earth. They believe that without Mother Earth's blessings, the land would not turn fertile and yield abundant crops.
• The local population fears that if they anger the fertile land, droughts and famine would strike, and the once fertile fields would become barren, resembling the hide of a leopard with brown patches and cracks. Therefore, the tribal residents of Chhattisgarh celebrate the Earth Festival with great pomp and grandeur. The festival, held in the vibrant and cheerful months of spring, typically in March and April, is marked by nature's fresh bounty and vibrant colors, which uplift the spirits of the farmers and villagers.
• Surhul or the Earth Festival is entirely separate from crop harvests. It is a religious festival at its core, focused on honoring and worshiping the revered Mother Earth. The people eagerly anticipate the day when the Sal trees are covered in blossoms, signaling the time for the festival. To pay tribute to the Goddess, villagers refrain from entering their fields and instead offer fervent prayers in the village forests. No farming activities are conducted on this day, emphasizing the festival's deep connection to Chhattisgarh's cultural traditions, or Chhattisgarh sanskriti.

Mati Puja

• Mati Puja is celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. This festival is dedicated to worshiping Mother Earth, with the hope of being blessed with a bountiful crop yield for the upcoming season. The festival holds special significance in this region, as the people largely depend on agriculture for their livelihood and are reliant on a good harvest each year.
• Mati Puja is particularly famous in the Bastar district, where it is known by different names in various parts of the region. In central Bastar, it is referred to as Maati Ti’aar, while in the southern part of Bastar, it is called Beeja Pandum.
• During Mati Puja, the people perform various rituals and rites to honor and please the earth deity, seeking blessings for a prosperous farming season. The festival is deeply rooted in the agricultural practices and traditions of the region, reflecting the community's strong connection to the land and their dependence on its fertility.

Sheorinarayan Fair

• The small, quiet town of Sheorinarayan, located in the Janjgir district of Chhattisgarh, is the site of the Sheorinarayan Fair. This town is uniquely positioned at the confluence of three rivers: the Mahanadi, Sheonath, and Jonk. A temple dedicated to Lord Rama, dating back to the 13th century, is a notable feature of Sheorinarayan.
• In India, it is common for temple premises to be transformed into fairgrounds, and Sheorinarayan is no exception. The Sheorinarayan temple hosts the Sheorinarayan Fair, which is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich and diverse culture of the region.

Description of the Sheorinarayan Fair:

• The Sheorinarayan Fair breathes new life into the town of Sheorinarayan. The atmosphere of this pilgrimage center becomes cheerful and lively during the fair. It serves as a wonderful occasion for devotees of Lord Rama to visit the temple and participate in the colorful and vibrant festivities.
• During the fair, followers of the legendary hero Ram offer their prayers at the Sheorinarayan temple. The fair also provides an opportunity for visitors to explore various shops set up for the event, offering a wide range of items. The fairgrounds are bustling with activity, and the atmosphere is filled with the sights and sounds of joyful people, creating a lively and engaging environment. The happy expressions on the faces of the attendees, who find contentment in the simple pleasures of life, are a delight to witness.

Timing of the Sheorinarayan Fair:

• The Sheorinarayan Fair is held on Magh Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Magh according to the Hindu calendar. This date generally falls in February on the Gregorian calendar.

Rajim Kumbh Mela

• The Kumbh Mela is one of the holiest gatherings of pilgrims in the world, known for its four primary locations. However, a lesser-known fact is that there is a fifth Kumbh Mela: the Rajim Kumbh Mela. This gathering is particularly significant for Vaishnavites, the followers of Lord Vishnu. 
• Rajim, where the Mela is held, is situated near the confluence of the Mahanadi, Sondur, and Pairi rivers, with the Rajimalochana Temple serving as the central venue for the event.

Rajim Kumbh Mela Overview:

• The Rajim Kumbh Mela begins on Magh Purnima and lasts for 15 days. In 2017, the Mela commenced on 10 February and concluded on 24 February. This event attracts hordes of religious preachers and saints from all over the country.

Historical Significance:

• Rajim has been a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus for centuries. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Chhattisgarh, this small town is renowned for its rich historical past and cultural heritage. 
• The Rajim Lochan Mahotsav is the town's most significant spiritual event, drawing a large number of visitors. In recent years, the Ministry of Tourism in Chhattisgarh has taken significant initiatives to organize the Rajim Kumbh Mela on a grander scale.

Celebration:

• The Rajim Kumbh Mela is a visual and spiritual feast. Holy saints, devotees, and colorful crowds gather to partake in the divine festivities. This Mela provides a unique opportunity to experience the history, culture, and attractions of Chhattisgarh.
• The celebration begins with a special puja at 3:00 A.M. on the first day of the Rajim Mela. Devotees visit the Kuleshwar Mahadev and Shri Rajiv Lochan temples to make offerings. A holy bath in the Triveni Sangam is an essential ritual for participants. One of the rituals, the ‘Kalash Yatra,’ involves rows of women carrying pitchers on their heads, walking towards the Mahanadi, filling the pitchers, and then returning to the Mahadev temple.
• Cultural programs are a vibrant part of the Rajim Kumbh Mela celebrations. The festival features performances by talented singers, dancers, and local artists. Folk artists of exceptional talent also participate, making the Rajim Lochan Mahotsav a significant cultural event. The festival's lively atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a memorable experience for all who attend.