Bastar Dussehra: A 77-Day-Long Festival Unique to Chhattisgarh

Bastar Dussehra, one of longest and most unique festivals in world, concluded today in Chhattisgarh after 77 days of celebrations. 

This ancient festival, which has been celebrated for over 800 years, to hour supreme power of Goddess Danteswari, revered deity of all tribes in region.

Unlike festival of Dussehra, which celebrates victory of Lord Ram over Ravana, Bastar Dussehra is a celebration of Goddess Shakti. 

festival centers around special worship ceremonies dedicated to Goddess Danteswari, held at Danteswari temple in Jagdalpur.

 A significant part of festivities is construction of a grand chariot or rath in which goddess is ceremoniously seated and a pare takes place. 

Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo, 24th and current titular ruler of Bastar said, "Today, we bid farewell to mor goddess, just as one would to a daughter returning home. We pray that her blessings continue to be upon us, state, and nation."

History 

trition of Bastar Dussehra dates back to early 15th century when Maharaja Purushottam Deo first initiated festival. 

Over centuries, it has grown into a grand celebration that involves t just royal family but entire tribal community of Bastar.

One of unique characteristics of festival is formal transfer of power from Raja to Diwan, witnessed by zamindars and or important figures. This ritual takes place on Kunwar Amavasya, first day of Dussehra. 

Ar element of this ceremony involves a young girl, believed to be possessed by divine powers, who grants permission for transfer of control. She stands in a war-like posture, holding a wooden sword, which symbolizes goddess's spiritual authority.

Rituals

second day of Dussehra, kwn as Pratipa, is commemorated by royal family performing aarti and salami (a ceremonial salute). 

On ninth day, Raja of Bastar personally welcomes Goddess Danteswari, who is brought to entrance of city in a doli. 

tenth day, Dussehra, is when Raja holds a darbar, a royal court, where people from across Bastar present ir requests to him. festival concludes with an aarti ceremony, offering prayers for goddess’s continued blessings.

One of most table aspects of Bastar Dussehra is absence of any trition related to killing of Ravana, a central feature in or parts of India. Inste, festival is a celebration of devotion to Goddess Shakti. 

Patjatra Ritual and Saal Log Worship

Bastar Dussehra begins with 'Patjatra' ritual, during which a sacred log of a saal tree is worshipped. 

This log is later used to construct a grand chariot, which carries capy of Goddess Danteswari. 

  chariot is pared in whole city in a grand procession, with thousands of tribal and n-tribal participants joining in celebration.

festival, deeply rooted in tribal customs and spirituality, continues to draw people from across Chhattisgarh and beyond, celebrating cultural and religious significance of Bastar’s patron goddess.