Chhattisgarh Tribal Museum big hit with visitors for innovative depiction of indigenous communities

Raipur, Jul 14 (PTI) Nestled in the heart of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, the Chhattisgarh Tribal Museum has become a major attraction since it was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on May 14, with visitors getting to witness a vibrant and immersive window into the rich traditions, lifestyle, and cultural legacy of the state's indigenous communities.
A large part of the visitors consist of youth seeking to connect with their roots, officials said on Monday.
The lifestyle, costumes, folk art, customs, festivals and religious beliefs of various tribal communities, including intricate tribal artefacts and melodies of traditional instruments, are depicted through visual and digital mediums , they added.
Sprawled across 10 acres, the museum is more than just a building, it is a living, breathing tribute to the traditions of 43 tribal groups of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Sai said.
"We visited the museum and were amazed. The sculptures are so lifelike. It feels like they could speak at any moment. Each community's distinct culture and lifestyle have been beautifully brought to life here." Sonmoni Borah, Principal Secretary of the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste Development department, who played a key role in the museum's creation, told PTI Videos.
"Our government's consistent focus has been on preserving and promoting tribal life, beliefs, and folk art while implementing development policies that respect these identities. The 14 meticulously curated galleries showcase tribal life in its raw, authentic form, highlighting everything from geographical spread and seasonal festivals to rituals, customs, and crafts under one roof," said museum curator Nirmal Kumar Baghel.
"Every artefact here has a story. Our team collected these objects directly from tribal villages. Every item in the galleries holds a cultural memory," Baghel said.
Using a mix of physical exhibits and modern digital technology, the museum vividly presents tribal attire, jewellery, domestic tools, art forms, and religious beliefs.
Interactive touchscreens and visual storytelling methods ensure even tech-savvy youth are presented with an engaging and educational experience, an official said, adding visitors can explore traditional dwellings, handcrafted weapons, and even kitchens that replicate everyday tribal life.
The museum offers insights into specially backward tribes such as the Abujhmaria, Baiga, Kamar, Pahadi Korwa, Birhor, Bhunjia, and Pando, and exhibits traditional arts such as bamboo work, woodcraft, body tattooing, painting, and sculpture.
The official said it is not just a museum but a space for cultural empathy and personal connection.
"Visitors often dress in traditional tribal attire during their visit, embracing a hands-on understanding of indigenous identity. Statues depicting tribal dances, hunting scenes, and cooking traditions bring tribal lives alive before the visitors' eyes," he said.
Durg-based visitor Tarini Thakur, dressed in traditional tribal wear, expressed her joy in Chhattisgarhi saying, "The museum tells the story of our culture. Seeing our traditions displayed so beautifully makes me proud. People who come here learn, connect, and carry forward our identity."
Since its opening, the museum has witnessed a steady stream of visitors, many encountering tribal life not just through textbooks but through tangible, interactive experiences, the official said.
"It represents more than a historical archive, it is a vibrant bridge between the past and the future. This is not just a collection of artefacts, rather it is the living proof of a civilization deeply rooted in the land, rich in tradition, and now digitally preserved for generations to come," the official said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)