Raipur, the capital city of the state of Chhattisgarh, was formerly a part of Madhya Pradesh before the formation of Chhattisgarh state on November 1, 2000. It is often called as "rice bowl of India", is famous for growing hundreds of varieties of rice. The City of Raipur is surrounded by Mahanadi River from the east and dense forest from the south. On the north-west of Raipur, there are Maikal Hills and the sout there is Bastar Plateau.
Raipur was under the rule of Samudragupta in the 4th century AD and the dynasty was succeeded by Sarabhpuri Kings in the 6th century AD.For some period in Fifth-Sixth Century A.D., Nala kings dominated this area until Somavanshi kings had taken the control over this region making Sirpur their capital. Reins of rule then went in to the hands of Kalchuri Kings who is said to have built the city of Raipur.
Some historians believe that the King Brahmadeo Rai had established Raipur.It was during his time in 1402 A.D. that the temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev was constructed in the banks of river Kharun.This region had become the domain of Bhosle kings after Amarsinghdeo's death. With the death of Raghuji the III, the territory was assumed by the British Government from Bhonsla'a of Nagpur and Chhattisgarh was declared a separate Commissionery with its Headquarters at Raipur in 1854.
Air
Raipur airport is the only functional and well connected airport of Chhattisgarh.
Rail
Raipur city is situated on the Mumbai-Howrah route of Indian Railways and is well connected with important cities of Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.
Road
Raipur is well connected with all important cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar etc. National Highway 6 (Mumbai-Kolkata) passes through the city of Raipur.
Shopping in Raipur is a delightful experience, and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. Though Raipur doesn't have only one shopping mall, 'City Mall 36' but the markets of the city offer almost everything. You may buy traditional items in the shops of Raipur, to keep them as souvenir. If you wish to buy branded items then visit the mall where you will find shops of a number of national and international brands.
When you think of shopping in Raipur the first thing which comes as a flash is the exquisite bell metal and wrought iron items both for decorative and utility purpose. You can get a good buy of terracotta products and stone sculptures.Raipur is also known countrywide for its cotton fabrics with works of kinari and zari.Woodworks are also admired items for shopping in Raipur. The expert artisans of Raipur carve out table lamps, side tables, boxes and various other utilities and objects d'art, which serve as extraordinary souvenirs. Though Raipur does not have any major shopping complex there are many government promoted shops and private ones.
Hotel Babylon
The only 5 star hotel of the city
Hareli Festival
Farmers celebrate this festival in the month of Shravan, by worshipping farm equipment and cows. They place branches and leaves of the Bhelwa tree in the fields and pray for a good crop, and also hang small Neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to prevent seasonal diseases. For the next 15 days, Baigas (the traditional medical practitioners) teachi their disciples - this goes on till panchami (the day following Ganesh Chaturthi). On panchami , they examine their disciples, and if satisfied with their performance, grant them the license to practice medicine. Children play gedi (walking on bamboo) and take part in a gedi race.
Pola Festival
Pola follows Hareli. It is celebrated by worshipping bullocks. Children play with idols of Nandi bull (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) made of clay and fitted with clay wheels. A bull race is a major event of the festival.
Teeja Festival
This festival is celebrated by married women - they pray for the welfare of their husbands. The custom is to perform this prayer at ther parents' home.