GUEST STATE - CHHATTISGARH

Once an integral part of Madhya Pradesh, today Chhattisgarh stands as an independent State. The geographical separation could not affect the cultural integration. A predominantly tribal State, the Chhattisgarh is gifted with dense forests. A large chunk of these tribal communities reside in Bastar. The Murias, Madias, Halbas, Bhataras, Dhurvas, Panikas etc have been living here since the time immemorial. The Dussehra festival of this area is unique in many ways. This is, probably, the longest celebrated festival in the world in terms of days. It runs 75 days. Every year a new chariot is built. Tribal communities enthusiastically participate in the celebration making it a unique cultural event. The spiritual aspect of tribal culture comes alive in Bastar. Hence, Dussehra chariot has been placed at the centre of this gallery. Besides, the gallery showcases a Gudi of Bastar's most ancient goddess Mavali, place of Shitala Mata, Biman Diya, Ghotul, Karma-Seni tree, Houses of potters, Panika, Ghadva, Jharas etc. A replica of the gateway of Bastar's Rajwar is also recreated in the gallery, as the Gudi of Devi Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar is located in the gateway.