Chhattisgarh, a central Indian state rich in tribal heritage and folk traditions, is witnessing the gradual disappearance of some of its age-old cultural practices. Globalization, urban migration, and dwindling tribal populations have pushed several unique traditions toward extinction. Here are the top 5 Chhattisgarh cultural practices that are about to extinct, along with their historical and cultural significance.
1. Gotul Tradition of the Muria Tribe Is Fading Rapidly
The Gotul is a unique tribal youth dormitory system practiced by the Muria tribe of Bastar. It served as a cultural and educational institution where boys and girls learned tribal customs, dance, music, forest skills, and values of cooperation. The extinction of Gotul threatens the intergenerational transmission of tribal wisdom and identity.
2. Disappearance of Pandavani Folk Singing Tradition in Rural Bastar
Pandavani is a narrative singing tradition that recounts tales from the Mahabharata, especially the story of Bhima, using music, storytelling, and improvisation. Performed with minimal props and deep emotional engagement, it is one of Chhattisgarh’s most celebrated art forms. Though UNESCO has recognized it as intangible cultural heritage, local support is insufficient to keep the art alive at the grassroots. Unless serious efforts are made to revive the Dhokra Shilp, an essential part of Chhattisgarh’s material culture may disappear.
3. Traditional Dhokra Metal Craft in Tribal Villages Losing Its Makers
While Dhokra art is known nationally, the traditional lost-wax metal casting technique used by Chhattisgarh’s craftspeople is in danger. Tribes like the Ghadwas of Bastar and the Jharas of Raigarh are the original practitioners. Unless serious efforts are made to revive the Dhokra Shilp, an essential part of Chhattisgarh’s material culture may disappear.
4. Endangered Karma Dance Ritual Among Indigenous Communities
The Karma dance, associated with the Karma festival, is performed by tribal communities like the Baiga, Oraon, and Gond. It celebrates nature, fertility, and the changing seasons. With only sporadic performances during government-funded festivals, the authentic spirit of Karma dance is fading.
5. Obsolescence of the Chhattisgarhi Folk Theatre Form – Nacha
Nacha, a satirical and humorous folk theatre tradition, was once central to village entertainment. Typically performed in local dialects with exaggerated characters and topical themes, Nacha blends comedy, dance, and music. As elder performers pass away without transmitting their knowledge, Nacha is at risk of becoming a footnote in cultural history.
The cultural practices of Chhattisgarh that are about to extinct represent more than entertainment—they embody community memory, ecological harmony, and ancestral wisdom. Without intervention, these traditions may vanish within a generation, leading to an irreplaceable cultural void in Chhattisgarh’s heritage.