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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History 

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

Over the centuries, it has grown into a grand celebration that involves not just the royal family but the entire tribal community of Bastar.

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

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

Rituals

The second day of Dussehra, known as Pratipada, is commemorated by the royal family performing aarti and salami (a ceremonial salute). 

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

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

One of the most notable aspects of Bastar Dussehra is the absence of any tradition related to the killing of Ravana, a central feature in other parts of India. Instead, the festival is a celebration of devotion to Goddess Shakti. 

The Patjatra Ritual and Saal Log Worship

Bastar Dussehra begins with the '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 the canopy of Goddess Danteswari. 

 The chariot is paraded in the whole city in a grand procession, with thousands of tribal and non-tribal participants joining in the celebration.

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