Rajnandgaon is the primary town in the Rajnandgaon District, in the state of Chhattisgarh. The town covers an area of 6396.28 sq. km and came into existence on 26th January 1973, by way of division of district Durg. It was originally called Nandgram, but it was again divided on 1st July 1998 and the new district of Kawardha was formed. The town is situated on the lap of nature and is surrounded by beautiful ponds and rivers.

History of Rajnandgaon
The Rajnandgaon was originally called Nandgram. The Rajnandgaon state was ruled by Somvanshis, Kalchuris and Marathas. The contribution of Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi and Baldeo Prasad Mishra in the field of Hindi literature has a special mention. The city was also ruled by the Gond Rajas. The foundation of the city can be traced to a religious celibate, who descended from Punjab towards the end of the 18th century. Until 1879 it was ruled through succession and later the

British government identified the ruler as a hereditary chief and thus bestowed upon his son the title of Raja Bahadur. The chief rulers had been Mahant Ghasi Das, Raja Mahant Balram Das Bahadur, Raja Mahant Balram Das Bahadur, Mahant Rajendra Das, Mahant Sarveshwar Das. The last ruler, Ghasi Das was recognized as a feudal chief by the British government in 1865 and was granted a sanad, or right of adoption.

Tourist Spots in Rajnandgaon
The city of Rajnandgaon includes many temples like Gayatri Mandir, Barfaani Ashram, Sitla Mandir, Choupati. The Mohara Mela and the Bull Run are the famous celebrations organized in Rajnandgaon. The Mina Bazar located here is also an attractive tourist spots.

Apart from these the district of Rajnandgaon has other places to visit. A tehsil headquarter, Dongargarh is the main tourist as well as pilgrimage of the district. It is famous for the Maa Bamleshwari Temple, situated on the hilltop of 1600 feet. Another temple, Chhoti Bamleshwari is also located here. The temples are visited and worshipped by several devotees from Chattisgarh and other places. The temples remain thronged with devotees especially during the Navaratri of Kavar and Chaitra. Fairs are also organized during these navratris.

Festivals of Rajnandgaon
Diwali is one the most celebrated festivals of Rajnandgaon. It is known as the `festival of lights and crackers. Ganesh Chaturthi is another festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. Even the Ganpati Visarjan is enthusiastically done in Rajnandgaon. On the Visarjan Day people take out huge Jhakki, chanting names of `Ganpati Bappa Morya.`