The Bilaspur Region boasts a population of more than one million people living in some 5,500 villages and 18 larger towns. As this region is predominantly an agricultural belt in north-central Chhattisgarh, its tribal people are involved in forestry and rice farming. They are also adept at using bamboo to create cooking utensils, water pipes, farming implements, fishing traps, bows and arrows, intricate mats, colorful baskets and decorative items.
One of the main people groups, the Satnami, worships a single god named Satnam, which, when literally translated, means “the true god.” They developed this unique religion by merging the traditions and practices of two ancient faiths popular in this area.