Women are fond of 'Kachhora' a typical manner of wearing
saree. Women wearing 'Lugda' (saree) and 'Polkha' (blouse)
with set of attractive ornaments are symbolic of tradition
and heritage of Chhattisgarh. Various decorative items used
by women are Baandha (necklace made of coins) and silver
necklace 'suta', 'Phuli' for nose, 'Bali' and Khuntis for
ears, 'Ainthi' (of silver worn on forearm), Patta, Choora
(bangles), Kardhani on waist (a belt like thing made of
silver), Pounchhi a ring for upper arm and Bichhiya worn
on toes. Men also decorate themselves with Koundhi (necklace
of beads) and Kadhah (bangle) for occasions like dances.
Gouri-Goura, Surti, Hareli, Pola and Teeja are the main
festivals of this area. Celebrated in the month of 'Shravan'
hareli is a mark of greenery. Farmers worship farm equipment
and cows on this occasion. They place branches and leaves
of 'Bhelwa' (a tree resembling cashew tree and found in
the forests and villages of this district) in the fields
and pray for good crop. People also hang small Neem branches
at the main entrance of houses on this occasion to prevent
occurrence of seasonal diseases. Baigas start teaching medicinal
techniques to their disciples starting from Hareli for fifteen
days (till panchami the next day of Ganesh Chaturthi). On
this day, they examine their disciples for medical skills
and if they satisfied with their performance, then traditionally
they give the acceptance to practice medicine. Disciples
who fail in such examination continue to learn techniques
in subsequent years till they succeed to be recognized.
Children play 'GEDI' (walking on bamboo) from the festival
of hareli to Pola. They display various feats on GEDI and
participate in GEDI race. Hareli is also beginning of festivals
for Chhattisgarhi people. Pola and Teeja follow Hareli.
People celebrate POLA by worshipping Bullocks. Bull race
is also a major event of the festival. Children play with
Nandia-Bail (Nandi the Vahan of Lord Shiva) idols made of
clay and fitted with clay wheels. Teeja is the festival
of women. All married women pray for the welfare of their
husbands on this occasion. The custom is to perform this
prayer at the parents' place of the women. They eagerly
wait for this occasion to come to spend some time at their
birth places in festive and devotional mood. The feeling
of togetherness and social harmony is filled in every festival
and art of Chhattisgarh culture.
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