Chhattisgarh in ancient times was known as Dakshin-Kausal. State day is observed on 31st October. The state animal Van Bhainsar (wild water buffalo), state bird Pahari Myna (hill myna), and state tree Sal (Sarai). The official language of the state is Hindi and is used by non-rural population of the state. Chhattisgarhi, a dialect of Hindi language, is spoken and understood by the majority of people in Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh is known for "Kosa silk" and "lost wax art. One of the well known traditional dishes of Chhattisgarh is “Iddhar” it is made with grinded urad dal and kochai patta. The tribal and village population enjoys delicacy brew made of small, creamy white fruit of a local tree called Mahuwa. Chhollywood is Chhattisgarh's film industries every year many Chhattisgarhi film produced by local producers. Agriculture is counted as the chief economic occupation of the state but the steel industry is one of the biggest heavy industries of Chhattisgarh accounts for 15% of the total steel produced in the country. Chhattisgarh accounts for more than 70% of India’s total production of tendu leaves that are used for making bidis. Hot spring Known as Taat Pani flows throughout the year in balrampur district is reputed to have medicinal properties due to high amount of sodium in it and NTPC is developing a geothermal power plant which will be first power plant of its kind of India.
Education Status
According to the Census 2011, Chhattisgarh has a literacy rate of 71.04% (male literacy rate 81.45% and female literacy rate 60.59%).
Chhattisgarh has an Education Index of 0.526 according to 2011 NHDR which is higher than that of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan which are below the 0.5 mark. Though, it is lower than the national average of 0.563. Most of the children in the state generally attend 3 years of Montessori school before joining 1st standard in the school. The government run schools are mostly affiliated to the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education. In the state-run schools Hindi is generally the medium of instruction while English is preferred by most of the private schools. Chhattisgarh houses some of the best centers of higher learning which provides courses in various disciplines. There are thirteen universities in the state. Most of the colleges and institutions in the state are affiliated to any of these government recognized universities. The colleges in Chhattisgarh offer various courses in architecture, engineering, biotechnology, dental science, law, hotel management, medical, physiotherapy, mass communication, nursing, veterinary science and management. The capital city Raipur is the main center of higher education in Chhattisgarh.