Music forms an imperative part of the State’s entertaining culture. Some of the folk songs of Chhattisgarh are season specific and sung only during Faag (Basant Geet), Sawnahi ( rainy season), Dhankul, ( to relieve stress), Dohe ( celebration of Diwali), Pathoni ( to bid adieu to newly wed bride), or in Baramasi (12 months). Besides, some of the famous festival songs include
Sua songs are quite popular in Bilaspur and Dantewade districts of Chhattisgarh. Sua songs are an integral part of the rural areas of the state. The songs preserve the traditional faith and philosophies of life of some of the communities living in this part of India. The colourful dresses of the artists make their performance even more appealing. The songs are rhythmic and accompanied by various musical instruments typical to the rural areas of Chhattisgarh.
The Cher-Chera folk’s songs and dance is a way of social interaction in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh. These are sung to celebrate different religion and cultural occasions. Cher-Chera is sung to welcome the growth of new crops. The songs are closely associated with the lifestyle of the tribal people in this region. As these songs are related to the celebration of harvests they reflect strong philosophies with which people of these communities lead their lives.
Loriya is one of the prominent traditional folk songs of Chhattisgarh that reflects the traditional legacy and rich cultural heritage of the region. Loriya are usually sung by mothers of small children. The wordings and the melodies of Loriya are enchanting and bear a touch of motherly affection. These folk songs portray the creative imagination and artistic skills of the singers. Every child of Chhattisgarh has grown up by listening to the humming of Loriya.
Bhojali songs reflect the historical heritage and rich cultural tradition of the state. The songs represent the rich folk cultural tradition of ancient times of the region. Bhojali songs encompass all the characteristic traits of the folk songs of Chhattisgarh. Similarly, Janvara songs portray the artistic caliber and imagination of the local inhabitants of the region. They are drawn from the daily mundane life of the common people.
Folk dances in Chhattisgarh
The folk dances of Chhattisgarh have been followed by generations over the year and have become an essential part of their culture and tradition. Dances are source of depicting their feelings. Each community in this state has its distinct form of dance. Check out some of the most enchanting dance forms visible during festivals
Rawat Nacha is a folk dance of cowherds and traditional dance of Yaduvanshis. It is performed from the 4th day of Diwali till the Dev Uthani Ekadashi which is the 11th day after Diwali. This type of dance represents worship of Lord Krishna.
Oraons, Baigas and Gonds perform karma dance by arranging two rows and follow the rhythmic steps. Karma dance indicates the end of rainy season and the arrival of spring in Chhattisgarh.
Saila tribal dance is performed after the harvest season is over. The dance is usually performed by the male members belonging to the plains of Chhattisgarh by visiting each and every house of the adjacent village. Saila dance is popular in the Baitul districts among the people of Chhindwara and Sarguja.
Panthi is the folk dance of Satnami community. It is performed on the birth day of Guru Ghasidas and Maghi Purnima. The songs reflect the vision of nirvana and convey the spirit of their guru’s renunciation and teaching of renowned individuals like Ramdas, Dadu or Kabir. As the rhythm quickens gradually, the dancers perform acrobatics and form human pyramids.
Besides, Soowa, Gond, Muria, Pandavani are performed at the state fairs and festivals.
Chhattisgarh truly represents the dexterity of its artisans through its rich art and craft. The state is renowned for bell metal handicrafts, bamboo furniture, clay painting, tribal jewellery, wood cravings, terracotta figures and many other specialities. The truth is, Chhattisgarh beholds the ancient and refined form of arts and crafts.