January 31, Surajkund, NCR: Incredible India’s Credible Chhattisgarh has come to the doorstep of the National Capital, to present a treat for the five senses. At the Surajkund International Arts and Crafts Mela 2015, Chhattisgarh will present a more diverse array of experiences for visitors, as compared to its previous presentation in 2005.
Apart from an exciting lineup of cultural performances, the theme offers an enticing teaser with reconstructions of several attractions. Displays of handlooms, artefacts, kiosks offering Chhattisgarhi cuisine and a fashion show conducted jointly with The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi—there is a lot that the state has to offer at the Surajkund Mela 2015. The fashion show c titled “Amber Mandaar – Vastra from the Divine Land”, aims to celebrate the indigenous and exquisite textile resources of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh has led steady efforts to promote the state as a repository of India’s ancient heritage and its cross-cultural linkages with the world at large. The Mela offers a highly interactive insight into the State that is “Full of Surprises”.
Tourism Minister, Shri Ajay Chandrakar has resolved to enhance Brand Chhattisgarh through tourism. “Tourism is all about experiencing ecology in its entirety, be it about culture, nature or legends. Through our outreach at Surajkund, we wish to share a glimpse of the beauty that Chhattisgarh is adorned with.”
Shri Santosh Mishra, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, expressed his conviction that this exhibit would play a crucial role in pushing up tourist visits to the State, which stood at just over 23 million last year. “We are actively promoting Chhattisgarh as a global tourist destination too. While our core remains as chaste as ever, we are progressing steadily with a focus on comprehensive improvements in infrastructure and services. On behalf of the Government, I welcome all to explore Chhattisgarh.”
CHHATTISGARH EXHIBITS AT SURAJKUND MELA 2015:
Madai Mela: This traditional festival is celebrated by the tribes of Kanker and Bastar regions to mark the beginning of the sowing season in Chhattisgarh. Devotees invoke Gods and Goddesses at a common place in the village following a long procession. It is an ancient custom of Chhattisgarh.
- Malhar Gate: The gate to Pataleshwar Temple, Malhar is a remarkable example of Ratanpur’s ‘Kalchuri’ art style. Built in 11th century, both sides of this gate depict river Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna with pitchers perched on their respective vehicles.
- Terracotta Art: A specialty of the Bastar, Raigarh and Mandia regions of Chhattisgarh, terracotta figures hold a special place among the locals and the tribes. In many villages of Chhattisgarh, terracotta figures are placed on the borders to drive away evil spirits and assuage unseen forces.
- Bastar Art: A prominent form of tribal art, these figures depict rural lifestyle of the tribal community, incorporating pastoral scenes with the farmer as the main focus.
- Devi Jhula: The temples located in the tribal villages of Bastar region are popularly known as ‘Gudi’. Inside the premises of the temples, there is a wooden swing balanced by 12-16 ft tall wooden pillars made from the trees of mango, wood-apple or willow. The seat of the swing, which is also built of wooden planks, protrudes out sharp iron nails from its seat.
- Wall Painting: Godna, a traditional form of tattoo-making by the tribal women of Chhattisgarh is now being painted on walls and fabrics. Every painting carries a cultural value.
- Artefacts: Traditional crafts of Chhattisgarh are displayed on the trees.
- Pujaripali: Located in the Raigarh district in Chhattisgarh, this ancient village is famous for historical artifacts such as the stone inscription of Gopaladeva. King Gopaladeva is referred to as worshiping seven mothers in this inscription. It includes Purushottama Kshetra. The description of deities and their vehicles is from verses six to ten in the inscription which closely follows Markandedya Purana.
- Laxman Temple: Considered one of the most unique brick architecture in India, it is a ‘Panchrath’ type of temple portraying ageless art and devotion. The entrance of the temple where Sheshnaag is serving as an umbrella to Lord Shiva catches one’s attention. The many incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Krishna Leela, ornamental symbols, and erogenous pictures are carved on the entrance of this temple.
- Suwa (Parrot) Dance: It’s a traditional dance form by ladies especially during Diwali to wish for prosperity and a good life
- Nar Narayan Temple: The entrance gate of Nar Narayan temple at Sheorinarayan is a major attraction owing to its fine latticework. Constructed in 12th century, carved out of a massive black stone, the entrance which is a part of the main temple, is an exquisite piece of architecture.
- Photo Booth: Step into the shoes of the tribals of Chhattisgarh and get clicked
- Stage at the Venue: The stage will replicate the historically significant town of Sirpur at Chhattisgarh. Most of the monuments and temples were built between the 5th-8th century A.D.
- Turhi: Life-size creation of a tribal playing the traditional musical instrument
- Photo Gallery: Explore Chhattisgarh through the lens! The most vivid images of the state captured by photographers over a period of time
- Chhattisgarh Tourism Information Centre
- Apna Ghar: Built on the lines of the tribal homes at Surguja, this house will feature a family from the region staying in it for fifteen days.
- Traditional Forest Medicine Center: Traditional health practices of the tribals in Chhattisgarh are based on plants occurring in the forests they dwell in, therefore, they have zealously guarded the bio diversity of the area and have been instrumental in conserving several important plant species. Chhattisgarh State medicinal plants Board has identified and prepared a directory of about 880 traditional healers of the state. The total number of medicinal plant species stand at 1525.
- Rudra Shiv: The famous excavations at the Devrani temple revealed a unique sculpture of Lord Shiva from the 6th century. The ‘Rudra’ image is a manifestation of “Aghor” form of Lord Shiva. The sculptor has used many creatures to form part of Shiva’s anatomy. The height of this Rudra Shiva sculpture is 2.54 m. and its width is 1m.
- Traditional Mural Art Form: Murals or wall paintings are displayed at the entrance depicting the art form from the town of Surguja.
- Barsur Ganesh: The small sleepy village Barsur was thrown of power during the tenure of the Gangawanshi rulers in as early as 840 A.D. Barsur, situated on the bank of river Indrawati is famously known as the city of temples and ponds. Some of the temples worth mentioning are Mama-Bhanjaa temple, Chandraditya temple, Battisa temple and a mammoth statue of Lord Ganesha. Apart from these temples one vast pond of pre-historical days is worth visiting.
- Traditional Ornaments: The traditional ornaments of Chhattisgarh are put on display
- Madhiya Madhin: A male and female tribal figure, performing a traditional dance in head gear
- Teewar Dev Vihar Gate: A prototype of the entry to a Buddhist Vihara in Sirpur
- Gedi Dance: It is performed by the men of one of the tribes of Bastar. Men dance in colorful clothes using bamboo sticks as props.
- Terracotta Art Elephants
- Devrani Temple Gate: Situated in Tala district of Chhattisgarh, it has a distinguished place in Indian architecture owing to the artistic splendor of its entrance gate. On close inspection of the carvings of the gate constructed circa 6th century, one finds that garlands of various flowers are creatively intertwined together to give rise to an illusion of a single long climber with different flowers.
- Dipadih Temple: Located in Sarguja district, the temple has a place of high historical value. Notable among these are the front and back gates to the Saamatsarna Shiv temple which stand testimony to the architectural prowess of that period
- Khai Khazana: Experience Chhattisgarhi cuisine, simple yet soulful, modest yet flavoursome. While the staple ingredient is rice in various forms, a fascinating assortment of complements – pulses (daals), curries, chutneys (pastes) and subzis (vegetables) enhance the experience.
- Bastar Dussehra Rath( longest running dussehra: 75 days): Celebrated by all the tribes in the Bastar region, Dussehra at the Sirhasaar Square in Jagdalpur is a magnificent experience. The main attraction is the ‘rath’ or the chariot where the deity is placed. The festival in this part of the state is believed to have been started, in the 15th century, by Maharaj Purushottam Deo, the fourth Kakatiya ruler. This would make it a 500 year old festival.
