Bastar Dussehra - Jagdalpur , Chhattisgarh

A festival which is 75 days long itself is a fascinating idea. Bastar Dussehra is also referred at times as the longest festival in the world. This unique festival is believed to have started in 13th Century during the reign of 4th King of Bastar, King Purshottam Dev. This Dussehra festivities pays homage to the local deity Goddess Danteshwari Devi, unlike hailing the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. Some tribal communities also worship their own gods and goddesses, inspired by nature in its countless forms. Preparations for Bastar Dussehra begin with the dark fortnight or the waning moon (Krishna Paksh) in the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar, which falls somewhere around the end of July; celebrations continue up to the 13th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksh) of the month of Ashwin (Between August to October). One of the most unique aspect of this festival is; it gets organised by Raj family of Bastar, unlike many other festivals being organized by different government departments or private organizers.

Energy and excitement fills the street of Jagdalpur with people in bright traditional attires, dancing and drumming. A massive two-tiered chariot is built by special carpenters which is beautifully decorated and pulled through the streets by as many 400 people. Last 10 days of the festival are spectacular which includes lots of tribal rituals finally ending the celebrations by Pushp Rath Parikrma and Bheetar Raini. Why it is must to celebrate this Festival: In the times when many festivals are adopting city flavours and modern touches this festival still religiously follows the tribal rituals and keep it as virgin and as original as possible. Witnessing and being part of something this ancient and this vibrant is a joy that fills mind and heart with never felt before divine joy and peace.

How to reach there: Nearest airport to reach to Jagdalpur is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (roughly 300 km away from Jagdalpur) and nearest railway station is Jagdalpur railway station. Jagdalpur is well connected by roads to all important cities and towns of the state and nearby states as well. It might take slightly extra efforts to reach to this place but it is all worth to be there.

Other Attractions: Chitrakoot falls also known as Niagara Falls of India, Tirthgarh falls, Kotumsar caves, are some astonishing attractions in addition to some beautiful temples, Adventure Park, wildlife sanctuary, and parks around Jagdalpur and Raipur are the places that definitely will make this visit more memorable and special for any visitor. “If you find it tribal, yet vibrant – You are at Chhattisgarh.” “It has all – Monuments to temples, wildlife to waterfalls, hills to plateaus – It is Chhattisgarh.” 

--> A festival which is 75 days long itself is a fascinating idea. Bastar Dussehra is also referred at times as the longest festival in the world. This unique festival is believed to have started in 13th Century during the reign of 4th King of Bastar, King Purshottam Dev. This Dussehra festivities pays homage to the local deity Goddess Danteshwari Devi, unlike hailing the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. Some tribal communities also worship their own gods and goddesses, inspired by nature in its countless forms. Preparations for Bastar Dussehra begin with the dark fortnight or the waning moon (Krishna Paksh) in the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar, which falls somewhere around the end of July; celebrations continue up to the 13th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksh) of the month of Ashwin (Between August to October). One of the most unique aspect of this festival is; it gets organised by Raj family of Bastar, unlike many other festivals being organized by different government departments or private organizers. Energy and excitement fills the street of Jagdalpur with people in bright traditional attires, dancing and drumming. A massive two-tiered chariot is built by special carpenters which is beautifully decorated and pulled through the streets by as many 400 people. Last 10 days of the festival are spectacular which includes lots of tribal rituals finally ending the celebrations by Pushp Rath Parikrma and Bheetar Raini. Why it is must to celebrate this Festival: In the times when many festivals are adopting city flavours and modern touches this festival still religiously follows the tribal rituals and keep it as virgin and as original as possible. Witnessing and being part of something this ancient and this vibrant is a joy that fills mind and heart with never felt before divine joy and peace. How to reach there: Nearest airport to reach to Jagdalpur is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (roughly 300 km away from Jagdalpur) and nearest railway station is Jagdalpur railway station. Jagdalpur is well connected by roads to all important cities and towns of the state and nearby states as well. It might take slightly extra efforts to reach to this place but it is all worth to be there. Other Attractions: Chitrakoot falls also known as Niagara Falls of India, Tirthgarh falls, Kotumsar caves, are some astonishing attractions in addition to some beautiful temples, Adventure Park, wildlife sanctuary, and parks around Jagdalpur and Raipur are the places that definitely will make this visit more memorable and special for any visitor. “If you find it tribal, yet vibrant – You are at Chhattisgarh.” “It has all – Monuments to temples, wildlife to waterfalls, hills to plateaus – It is Chhattisgarh.”