Activities
• Grand Chariot Procession: Inspired by Odisha's Rath Yatra, the festival features a symbolic chariot procession where local deities are paraded in elaborately carved wooden chariots, accompanied by traditional music, dances, and devotional chants. • Tupki and Goncha Mock Battle: A unique highlight involves "Tupkis" – bamboo-crafted mock guns – used to playfully shoot "Goncha" fruits as harmless projectiles. This mock battle, particularly engaging for young men, injects a vibrant and competitive element into the festivities. • Inauguration of Bastar Dussehra Preparations: The Goncha Festival serves as the ceremonial commencement for the extensive 75-day Bastar Dussehra. Unlike typical Dussehra celebrations, Bastar's focuses on the veneration of indigenous tribal deities. • Showcase of Bastar Tribal Heritage: The festival vividly displays the erse cultural tapestry of Bastar's tribal communities, including the Murias, Gonds, and Bhatras. Attendees witness their distinct rituals, traditional dances, unique attire, traditional weaponry, and deeply held spiritual beliefs. • Deep Historical and Cultural Roots: o Ancient Lineage: Originating over 600 years ago, the Goncha Festival holds a significant and enduring place in Bastar's cultural history. o Odisha's Enduring Influence: The festival's chariot procession tradition reflects a historical connection to Jagannath Puri's Rath Yatra, demonstrating a fascinating adaptation of this practice within Bastar's unique tribal context. o Assertion of Tribal Identity: Beyond mere celebration, the Goncha Festival acts as a powerful expression of tribal identity, reinforces community bonds, and underscores deep-rooted devotional practices. Send as attachment on mail • Commencement with Deities' Return: The festival often begins with a ritual where the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are brought out from the sanctum sanctorum, allowing devotees to have their first sight ("Netrotsav"). • Installation in Janakpuri: The deities are then traditionally taken to a designated place, often Sirhasar Bhawan, which is temporarily transformed into 'Janakpuri'. Here, 22 idols from the Jagannath Temple are enthroned on decorated chariots. • GrandChariot Procession (Rath Yatra): The most significant event is the Rath Yatra, where these deities are placed on three intricately carved wooden chariots and paraded through the streets of Jagdalpur. This procession is accompanied by thousands of devotees, traditional music, and dances. The pulling of the chariots is a major ritual. • Tupki and Goncha Mock Battles: Throughout the festival, the playful mock battles using bamboo-made "Tupkis" (mock guns) and "Goncha" fruits as harmless bullets take place. This lively tradition involves people of all ages engaging in friendly "shootouts,"
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