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Chhattisgarh rediscovered for you

Madhur Tankha

TRIBAL PLANET: A still from the four-part series to be aired on Discovery Channel shortly.

NEW DELHI: Presenting India's unparalleled cultural heritage as well as its natural diversity, Discovery Channel will air on weekends a special four-part programme titled "Chhattisgarh: The Tribal Planet". The travelogue will unravel the State's unexplored attractions and serve as a gateway for tourists from across the country.

The travelogue will be telecast on Discovery Channel on consecutive weekends (Saturday and Sunday), December 9-10 and 16-17, at 10 p.m.

Presenting one of India's least explored eco and ethno-tourist destinations, "Chhattisgarh: The Tribal Planet" will take viewers through the State's history, culture, architecture, wildlife and its varied tribes.

Noting that Chhattisgarh was endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh says: "The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer an alternate experience to tourists. I am delighted that travellers across India will be able to explore the State's unique attractions on Discovery Channel -- an ideal partner in our endeavour to showcase Chhattisgarh's tourism potential."

The first episode, "Joining The Tribe: Chhattisgarh's Archaeology and Tribal Life" that will be aired on December 9, covers the Bastar region in southern Chhattisgarh. The episode focuses on the State's large tribal population and abundant natural resources. Exploring the State's unique traditions, it will take viewers through the weekly markets called "haats", local food, customs, dance and festivities. It will also uncover the State's handicrafts like terracotta in Nagarnar village through interactions with the artisans. The episode will also showcase the ancient temples at Barsur.

"Temple Trail: History and Architecture", which will be telecast on December 10, will highlight the heritage of the State in terms of its history and architecture-excavations at Sirpur, Laxman temple, Rajiv Lochan temple, Danteshwari temple, Bhoramdeo temple and Mainpat, a Tibetan settlement. Viewers can also witness Teejan Bai's captivating performance at the Laxman temple in Sirpur.

"Celebrating the Tribe: Art, Craft and Culture", to be telecast on December 16, will be an ode to the artistic traditions of the State. Offering a glimpse into rare and exquisite crafts and costumes through intimate interactions with tribals and artisans, this episode will give viewers a chance to discover the rich tribal culture, know about unique delicacies like the red ant chutney and interesting traditions like "Ghotul''.

Viewers will also learn the rare craft of bell metal from master craftsman Jaidev Bhagel. Apart from the cultural aspect, the episode would also showcase the natural beauty of the State including the spectacular waterfalls at Chitrakoot.

"In The Wild: Ecology, Wildlife and Natural Resources" that will be shown on December 17 takes a look at the natural splendour of the State, showcasing its national parks and alluring flora and fauna. Viewers will get to see picture-postcard waterfalls at Tirathgarh and the verdant valley.

Wildlife lovers will get a taste of the life in a jungle and catch a glimpse of its teeming wildlife including leopard, deer and bison. Apart from the sanctuaries in Bharnawapara, Kanger and Udanti, viewers will also visit the megalithic rock site of Karkabhat with renowned archaeologist A.K. Sharma.

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