Journey to the heart of India and immerse yourself in the kaleidoscope of festivals that define Chhattisgarh! From the electrifying beats of tribal dances to the serene rituals on the banks of holy rivers, Chhattisgarh’s festivals are a captivating blend of tradition, faith, and vibrant artistry.This blog will be your window into the unique celebrations that set Chhattisgarh apart. We’ll delve into the grandeur of the Bastar Dussehra, a 75-day spectacle dedicated to the revered Goddess Danteshwari. Witness the fervor of tribal communities as they come together for rituals, vibrant performances, and a celebration unlike any other Dussehra in India.We’ll also explore the spiritual significance of the Rajim Kumbh, a massive pilgrimage held at the sacred confluence of three rivers. Here, devotees gather for holy dips, spiritual discourses, and cultural events, creating an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation.Get ready to be dazzled by the Bastar Lokotsav, a post-monsoon extravaganza that bursts with the colors of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture. Witness enthralling tribal dances, pulsating music, and a mesmerizing display of handcrafted wonders.This is just a taste of the festive delights that await you in Chhattisgarh. Stay tuned as we unveil more captivating celebrations, each one a unique thread woven into the rich cultural tapestry of this incredible state!
03-Celebrate Chhattisgarh: Top Festivals to Experience
1) Bastar Dussehra
Devotees as a part of the Rath Yatra during Bastar Dussehra. Photo credit: chhattisgarhgyan.in
This is one of the longest festivals. Lasting for around 75 days, the ten days of Navratri are the most important ones.Contrary to what Dussehra signifies in other parts of India,BastarDussehra is celebrated in honor of Danteshwari Mai, and her reunion with her sisters Maoli Devi and others.
It is highly influenced by religious beliefs, customs, and myths of the tribal people. Rituals include a youth fasting and sitting buried shoulder-deep in vigil for nine days, a girl swinging on a bed of thorns without hurting herself, etc. The RathYatra is the most looked forward to the event. Each year, four hundred people pull a 2-tiered chariot, making it sight in itself. There is so much more you can read about the unique festival here https://amzn.to/3YukHXp
When– August to October
Where– Jagdalpur
Experience– The procession includes different tribal people surrounded by the chariot, celebrating with music, dance, and drumming.
2) Navakhana festival
Offerings to the deity during Navakhana festival. Photo credit: chhattisgarh.pscnotes.com
“Navakhana” refers to Nava as new, and khana means food. It is the agricultural festival welcoming the new rice of the season. Newly harvested crops and liquor are kept in front of the family idol on the ninth day. This is considered auspicious. It is also a way to thank the Goddess for the bountiful crop. Family members sit together and eat. After everyone has consumed the harvested rice, music and dance programs are organized. The Gond tribe and other tribal communities participate in theNavakhana festival.
When– September
Where– Chhattisgarh
Experience– Music and dance after consuming the meal goes on till late at night, as everyone is in a good, celebratory mood.
3) Madai Festival
Tribals of the Gond tribe celebrating Madai festival. Photo credit: htoindia.com
Madai festival is celebrated by the Gond tribe. It is a festival on wheels as it travels from one place to another. It isorganized on huge grounds for people to attend in large numbers. Procession of local God or Goddess is taken out, led by the priest. At the end of the procession, the priest begins the worship, and devotees pray in silence. One of the customs includes a goat sacrifice under a sacred tree. People from neighboring villages also attend the festival, and everyone gets to spend time together.
When– Between December to March
Where– Chhattisgarh
Experience– There is a big fair with various food stalls and handicrafts made by thetribal people on sale. It is a unique festival to experience folk dance, tribal music, and culture throughout the day and night.
4) Hareli
Gedibeing enjoyed by villagers. Photo credit: patrika.com
Hareli is a harvest festival. It is of special importance to the Gondi people and farmers. Kutki Dai is the deity worshipped during this festival, as they pray for good crops. Farmers worship their equipment and bulls on this day. Branches of Bhelwa trees are put in the fields, while Neem is at the home entrances. You can get Neem leaves in the comfort of your home by ordering https://amzn.to/3WnTzHE
These help in the purification and prevention of diseases. Jaggerycheela is prepared in every household and relished by all. Bamboo sticks are made as stilts to walk around the field. It is called Gedi and is enjoyed by both adults and children.Hareli depicts the importance of environment, and the celebrations are all nature related.
When– July or August
Where– Chhattisgarh
Experience– Along with all the rituals, a coconut throwing competition is held in the villages.
5) Goncha
Processions during Goncha festival. Photo credit: sahapedia.org
Goncha is known as the chariot festival. It is named because the celebration is at the same time as Hindu RathYatra.Chariots are made for Lord Jagannath and taken out in procession. Goncha is a festival of the Bastar tribe. As a custom, people make a pistol using palm leaves, colorful paper, and bamboo. It is called Tupki and is a mock weapon, made to follow traditions. Goncha is a fruit and is used as a bullet. These are then used to playfully strike each other in a mock shootout. This whole process is entertaining to onlookers. The unique festival of Goncha shows off the unmatchable culture of the tribal people.
When– July
Where– Jagadalpur of Bastar district
Experience– The excitement and zeal with which the tribals participate in the mock shooting and procession is unmatchable.
6) NarayanpurMela
Rhythmic tribal dancing at Narayanpur Mela. Photo credit: indianholiday.com
Though the name suggests mela, NarayanpurMela is not a fair but is a festival. It does not have alot of customs or traditions but is a rather fun-filled event. The festival begins with the worship of the tribal deities with alot of devotion. Processions are taken out with the deities. Once the praying and worship are done, the tribal people collectively dance to the beats of the drums. They let go of all inhibitions and dance to their heart’s content. Drinking sessions and food are also essential parts of the festivities.
When– February
Where– Narayanpur and Bastar region
Experience– Watching the tribal dance to the rhythmic beats as one group makes the festival stand out.
7) Bastar Lokotsav
Artwork on display at Bastar Lokotsav. Photo credit: chhattisgarhonline.in
BastarLokotsav shows the folk culture of the state of Chhattisgarh. It highlights the fantastic intricate art and craft works. Some beautiful Bastar arts like Dhokra work can be adorned in your home. https://amzn.to/3WnTzHE
The festival promotes brotherhood and biodiversity. People from nearby localities and villages visit and appreciate the handicrafts and workmanship displays. It attracts plenty of tourists.
When– After the rainy season
Where– Bastar
Experience– One can enjoy folk dances, plays, and other performing arts. The artwork on display makes it worth visiting.
