Best time to visit Chhattisgarh

“Part of what makes Chhattisgarh so special is its remoteness. It’s little-known, relatively unexplored, but you can do countless things here. The state prides itself on its tribal culture dating back several millennia and the music, culture and craft of the tribal communities that can still be experienced. There are as many as 42 tribes in Chhattisgarh and they make up as much as 31.8 % of the total state population. It is brimming with a pulsating palate of festivals. The craftspeople of Chhattisgarh have evolved a rich tradition, and create many superb works of art in iron, bell metal and terracotta.”

“Despite India’s push towards modernity, the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh have managed to retain a unique identity and continue with age old practices. The forests have always been their friend and they have lived off and given back to the forest. No visit to a tribal area is complete without a visit to one of the local haats (weekly market), the lifeline of the rural economy. It is sort of an outing for tribal communities and a chance for them to bring their produce to the open market. Communities come together to bargain or barter for river fish and locally-grown vegetables and spices, sometimes cattle too. Agricultural tools, cooking utensils and earthen water pots are also important items. It's a place where you can pick up a sari, lungi or gamcha, glass bangles and chunky silver jewellery, and sometimes brass pots or woven baskets. The haats are also a place to sample the local brew – mahua and sulfi. Haats offer a unique opportunity and experience to the tourists to meet the locals and get a taste of traditional culture.”