RCB squad immerses in Chhattisgarh culture ahead of Raipur home fixtures
Synopsis
RCB didn't just arrive in Raipur for cricket — they arrived as cultural learners. From Godna textile art to tribal music and Bastar cuisine, the squad's pre-match immersion signals a franchise strategy that treats host cities as partners, not just venues. For a team building its IPL identity in a new home, that connection could matter on the field.
Key Takeaways
RCB squad attended a cultural expo in Raipur on 9 May 2026 ahead of home IPL fixtures, exploring Chhattisgarh 's tribal heritage.
Godna art form — a traditional tribal tattoo practice evolved into textile design — was a standout attraction for players including Krunal Pandya .
Captain Rajat Patidar and Pandya praised the skill and dedication of local artisans and community preservation efforts.
Players sampled regional delicacies including Charota Bhaji , Kanda Bhaji , and traditional ragi-based dishes from Bastar .
CEO Rajesh Menon framed the outing as cricket's role in building community connections beyond the game.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru players engaged with Chhattisgarh's tribal heritage and local traditions on 9 May ahead of their home IPL 2026 fixtures in Raipur, attending a cultural expo that featured traditional music, dance, handicrafts, and regional cuisine. The experience brought the squad face-to-face with the state's artistic legacy and community practices.
Cultural highlights and tribal art
The players were welcomed with traditional drumming and dance performances before exploring local handicrafts and tribal art forms. A standout attraction was the Godna art form, a traditional tattoo practice rooted in tribal culture that has evolved into textile and clothing designs to preserve the practice across generations. Krunal Pandya expressed particular interest in the craftsmanship and storytelling embedded in the artwork, noting the skill and dedication of local artisans.
Player reactions and engagement
RCB captain Rajat Patidar highlighted the emotional resonance of the visit. "I really liked it, especially when we entered and they played traditional music with drums while people were dancing. We also got to learn about the tribal communities here and their history, which was really special," he said. Pandya added, "This is the first time I am coming to Raipur and it's been pretty amazing. People are so skillful over here, the handicraft and art and how they have preserved it was something really unique to learn about."
Culinary exploration
The RCB contingent sampled regional delicacies including Charota Bhaji, Kanda Bhaji, Tikur Sherbet, and traditional ragi-based dishes from Bastar and Chhattisgarh. The food tasting underscored the region's distinct culinary identity and gave the players insight into local flavours and cooking traditions.
Team leadership perspective
Rajesh Menon, CEO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, framed the outing as an extension of cricket's community-building role. "Cricket has always created opportunities to connect beyond the game, and for our players, experiences like these make every visit even more meaningful. Raipur has welcomed us with tremendous warmth and support, and we're excited to bring RCB to a city that has truly made us feel at home," he said.
Setting the stage for home matches
The cultural immersion precedes RCB's scheduled home matches in Raipur, positioning the squad to carry the goodwill and connection built during the expo into their on-field performances. The initiative reflects a broader trend among IPL franchises of deepening ties with host cities beyond cricket.
Point of View
This generation is investing in narrative alignment — learning Godna art, sampling Bastar cuisine, engaging tribal communities. Whether this translates to on-field performance is secondary; the franchise is signalling that it belongs to Raipur, not just plays there. For a city that lost cricket for years, that distinction matters.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Godna art form that fascinated RCB players?
Godna is a traditional tribal tattoo practice deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh's tribal culture that has evolved into textile and clothing designs. The transformation preserves the art form across generations and showcases the craftsmanship and storytelling of local artisans.
Which RCB players attended the cultural expo in Raipur?
Captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya were among the RCB players who attended the cultural expo on 9 May 2026. The entire squad was invited to experience Chhattisgarh's heritage and traditions ahead of home fixtures.
What local dishes did the RCB squad sample?
RCB players tasted regional delicacies including Charota Bhaji, Kanda Bhaji, Tikur Sherbet, and traditional ragi-based dishes from Bastar and Chhattisgarh, giving them insight into the region's distinct culinary identity.
Why did RCB organize this cultural experience?
According to RCB CEO Rajesh Menon, the outing aimed to deepen the team's connection with Raipur and Chhattisgarh beyond cricket. The experience was designed to make players feel at home in the city and build goodwill ahead of home IPL 2026 matches.
When are RCB's home fixtures scheduled in Raipur?
RCB's home IPL 2026 fixtures in Raipur are scheduled to begin following the cultural expo on 9 May 2026. Exact match dates were not specified in the team's announcement.
