The third edition of the National Tribal Dance Festival, which is scheduled to take place from 1st November to 3rd November 2022, was recently inaugurated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The event coincides with the celebration of the state’s foundation day and will host over 1,500 tribal artists from India and ten other countries including Mozambique, Mongolia, Tongo, Russia, Indonesia, Maldives, Serbia, New Zealand, and Egypt.
About Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh came into existence on November 1, 2000, following its separation from Madhya Pradesh. It comprises 16 districts where the Chhattisgarhi language is predominantly spoken. As the tenth largest state in India, it spans an area of 135,190 sq-km.
The state plays a pivotal role in the country’s steel and electrical power production, contributing approximately 15% of the total steel produced in India. Chhattisgarh’s economy is largely agrarian, with approximately 80% of its workforce involved in farming. The state is also famously referred to as ‘Dhan Ka Katora’ (Bowl of Rice) due to its significant rice production.
Geographical Boundaries and Capital
Chhattisgarh shares its borders with seven Indian states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The state capital is Raipur.
Languages and Tribes
While the native language of Chhattisgarh is Chhattisgarhi, Hindi is more commonly spoken. The state is home to several tribes such as Miriam, Baiga, Kamars, Halbas, Gonds, Bhumja, Kawars, and others.
Festivals
The state is known for its cultural richness, with tribes celebrating numerous local festivals like Bastar Dussehra, Bastar Lokotsav, Koriya Mela, Fagun Wadai, Madai Festival, Goncha Festival, Pola Festival, among others.
Mineral Resources
Chhattisgarh is a major producer of coal, iron ore, dolomite, and tin concentrates, making it the only Indian state to produce this mineral. It also has significant reserves of bauxite, limestone, and quartzite, accounting for 35.4% of the country’s total tin ore reserves.
Rivers
The state is divided into four main catchment areas: Mahanadi, Ganga, Godavari, and Narmada. Principal rivers in these areas are the Mahanadi, Shivnath, Arpa, Indravati, Sabari, Leelagar, Hasdo, Pairi, and Sondur.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Prominent national parks in Chhattisgarh include Indravati National Park, Guru Ghasidas National Park, and Kanger Valley National Park. There are also several wildlife sanctuaries such as Tamor Pingla, Pamed, Gormada, Badalkhol, Bhoramdeo, Bhairamgarh, Seramsot, Barnawapara, Sitanadi, Nandan Van, Python Forest, and Narsinghgarh.
Tiger Reserve
The area combining the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared a Tiger Reserve by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Finally, as part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination conducted in 2008, it was confirmed that Chhattisgarh naturally possesses minerals like bauxite, dolomite, iron ore, and tin.