Chherchhera reflects the living spirit of charity and dedication in Chhattisgarhi culture
On the occasion of the traditional Chherchhera Tihar, which holds a special place in the rich folk and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, State Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma followed the age-old custom by going door to door to collect grain donations in Tarpongi village of Dharsiwa block. The village witnessed an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, warmth and festive spirit.
While observing the Chherchhera tradition, Minister Verma interacted closely with villagers and accepted grain offerings with humility. He said that Chherchhera Tihar is a festival deeply connected to the soul of Chhattisgarh, strengthening the values of equality, cooperation and charity in society. The festival reconnects people with their roots and conveys a strong message of social harmony.
The minister said that Chherchhera is not merely a festival of collecting grain, but a celebration of folk culture, brotherhood and human values. The folk traditions of Chhattisgarh form the identity of the state, and preserving them is the collective responsibility of all. Such festivals unite society and introduce the younger generation to their cultural heritage.
Villagers welcomed the minister in a traditional and joyful manner. The festive spirit of Chherchhera was visible throughout the village, with children, youth and elders participating wholeheartedly. Public representatives and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.
Chherchhera is a popular traditional folk festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated after the paddy harvest during the month of Paush (December–January). Deeply rooted in the state’s agrarian culture, the festival reflects farmers’ gratitude towards God and society after a successful harvest.
At its core, Chherchhera is a festival of charity, cooperation and mutual brotherhood. On this day, groups of children, youth and elders go from house to house singing folk songs and seeking grain or donations. At each doorstep, they sing:
“Chherchhera chherchhera, mai kothi ke dhaan la hera…”
which expresses the belief that the household has abundant grain and should share a part of it as charity.
The collected grain and donations are later used for community feasts, helping the needy and other social activities. By removing barriers of wealth, caste and religion, Chherchhera promotes social sensitivity and connects the younger generation with shared cultural values and folk traditions. Once again, the festival offered a vibrant glimpse of Chhattisgarh’s living folk heritage and conveyed a strong message of preserving cultural traditions.
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