Raigarh district is a prominent district in Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Raigarh is the administrative headquarter of Raigarh district. Raigarh is a small city and a Municipal Corporation in Raigarh district. The city is located at 21.9degreeN 83.4degreeE. The chief languages spoken in the Raigarh district are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi and Oriya.
Raigarh district was created by merging the princely states of Sarangarh, Udaipur (Dharamjaigarh), Raigarh and Jashpur. However Jashpur is presently a separate district. Raigarh district is spread over a huge area of six thousand eight hundred and thirty six square kilometres. Raigarh is now regarded as one of major producers of steel for the establishment of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and other small producers.
The district of Raigarh is blessed with various geographical features of swift flowing rivers of Mahanadi, Kelo and Mand, mighty mountain ranges of Gajmar and exotic caves of Kauhakunda and Kabra.
Economy of Raigarh District
Agriculture and forestry forms the main economy of the district of Raigarh. The district comprises mostly of tribal population and earns revenue through agricultural and forest produce. The Raigarh district produces a large quantity of Paddy as the major agricultural product of the district. The indigenous people also cultivate the Tendu patta or leaves which are used for making of bidis. The district of Raigarh is also blessed with a vast reserve of mineral resources like dolomite, limestone, coal and quartzite.
The district of Raigarh is famous for the various indigenous art and craft products that reflect the artistic skill and creative imagination of the local people of the region. Raigarh is well known for the good quality of Tasar and Mulburry silk that forms the core of the cottage industries of the district. Dhokra casting is another well known craft product of the district of Raigarh.
Tourism of Raigarh District
Endowed with natural scenic beauty, the district of Raigarh has many interesting places of tourist destination. Some of the notable tourist spots of Raigarh district are:
Ram Jharna
It is about 18 Kms. from the District Head quarters. It has a natural water source. According to History, Lord Rama once had been here during his Vanwas, and drank water from the water source. It serves as a good picnic spot.
Gomarda Reserve Forest
It is situated in Sarangarh Tehsil. It is spread over 278 Sq. Kms. It is a natural home for many rare wild animals like tigers, beers, etc. It is about 60 Kms. from the District Head Quarters.
Temples in Raigarh District
Gaurishankar Mandir, Shayam Mandir, Banjari Mandir 20 Kms. from District Head Quarter, Pahadh Mandir, Chandrahasini Mandir 30 Kms. from Raigarh (Situated in Chandrapur, Distt. Janjgir-Champa)
Apart from these there are other recreational places like the Kamla Nehru Park, Haritima, Indira Vihar and others.
Chakradhar Samaroh
This music festival is organized by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra, to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. This former ruler, a great tabla player and dancer, wrote many books on music.