Bastar Dussehra

Organizing: Every Year

Duration: Approximately 75 Days

2026 Beginning: 12 August 2026 — Pat Jatra

Main Dussehra Phase: 18–22 October 2026

Main Date: 20 October 2026 — Bhitar Raini

Main Location: Jagdalpur, Bastar District, Chhattisgarh

Main Deity: Maa Danteshwari and the Deity Tradition of Bastar

Special Feature: Ravana effigy is not burnt; it is a festival based on the distinctive tribal and religious traditions of Bastar.

A Unique Grand Festival of Faith, Tribal Culture and Royal Tradition

History: "The history of Bastar Dussehra is about 600 years old, which started in the 15th century (around 1408 AD) during the reign of King Purushottam Dev, the fourth ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty of Bastar."

Bastar Dussehra is a world-famous religious and cultural festival of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This festival, which continues for approximately 75 days, is completely different in its form from other Dussehra celebrations in India. Its central focus is not the story of Lord Rama and Ravana, but the worship of Maa Danteshwari, local deities, tribal traditions and the rich cultural heritage of Bastar.

The biggest specialty of Bastar Dussehra is that the effigy of Ravana is not burnt here. Instead, the festival is celebrated through numerous religious rituals, the arrival of deities, traditional chariot processions, folk traditions and community participation.

1. What is Bastar Dussehra?

Bastar Dussehra is an important festival of the living folk and tribal culture of Bastar.

It is not merely a religious event lasting for a few days, but it brings together the:

• Religious faith
• Deity traditions
• Tribal culture
• Folk traditions
• Traditional institutions
• Art of chariot construction
• Folk music
• Community participation
• Historical traditions

of Bastar at one place.

During Bastar Dussehra, deities and their representatives arrive from different areas of the Bastar region. Because of this, the festival connects different villages and communities through a cultural and religious bond.

2. The Biggest Specialty of Bastar Dussehra

The most important specialty of Bastar Dussehra is:

The effigy of Ravana is not burnt here.

This tradition is different from the general Dussehra celebrations.

Bastar Dussehra is not associated with the killing of Ravana in the Ramayana, but with the worship of Maa Durga/Mahishasura Mardini and Maa Danteshwari, along with the local religious traditions of Bastar.

Therefore, Bastar Dussehra is considered different and unique from other Dussehra traditions of India.

3. How Many Days Does Bastar Dussehra Continue?

The tradition of Bastar Dussehra continues for approximately 75 days.

It begins on Hariyali Amavasya in the month of Shravan, followed by various religious and cultural rituals.

In the final phase, Muria Darbar is organized, with which the traditional conclusion of this long festival is considered.

The Government of India Tourism Portal has also described Bastar Dussehra as a unique festival continuing for more than 75 days and mentioned its various rituals.

4. Historical Background of Bastar Dussehra

The tradition of Bastar Dussehra is associated with the Bastar royal dynasty and especially with Maharaja Purushottam Dev.

According to traditional accounts, Maharaja Purushottam Dev undertook a journey to Jagannath Puri. There, he offered gold and jewellery to Lord Jagannath.

According to tradition, impressed by his devotion, he was given the title of "Rathpati".

After returning from Puri, the tradition of chariots and Dussehra celebrations developed in Bastar. The chariot rituals of Bastar Dussehra are associated with this historical tradition.

5. Kachhin Devi and Bastar Dussehra

Kachhin Devi holds special importance in the tradition of Bastar Dussehra.

According to traditional accounts, the kings of Bastar continued the tradition of the Dussehra festival with the worship and permission of Kachhin Devi.

The rituals associated with Kachhin Devi are among the important religious stages connected with the beginning of Bastar Dussehra and the tradition of chariot movement.

6. Pat Jatra – Beginning of Bastar Dussehra

Bastar Dussehra begins with Pat Jatra.

On the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, wood is brought from the forest for the construction of the chariot. This wood is worshipped according to prescribed rituals.

This wood is later used in the construction of the traditional chariot.

Thus, Pat Jatra symbolizes the beginning of the 75-day festival of Bastar Dussehra.

According to the Government of India Tourism Portal, the tradition associated with the wood of the Sal tree is also important in Pat Jatra and is connected with local religious beliefs.

7. Deri Gadai

After Pat Jatra, the process of chariot construction moves forward.

Traditionally, the process of chariot construction is taken forward through the Deri Gadai ritual.

This ritual associated with Sirasar Bhawan is an important part of the traditional process of chariot construction during Bastar Dussehra.

8. Traditional Chariot Construction

One of the most attractive and distinctive aspects of Bastar Dussehra is the construction of the traditional wooden chariot.

The chariot is constructed using traditional techniques by local artisans.

Sal wood holds special importance in chariot construction.

This work is not merely craft construction; it is also associated with Bastar's traditional craftsmanship, community participation and religious faith.

9. Kachhin Gadi

Kachhin Gadi is one of the major religious rituals of Bastar Dussehra.

Kachhin Devi is worshipped during this ritual.

According to tradition, a young girl from the Mirgan community symbolically represents Kachhin Devi and sits on the Kachhin Gadi.

Through this ritual, it is traditionally believed that permission is obtained from the Goddess for the Dussehra festival and the movement of the chariot.

10. Jogi Bithai

Jogi Bithai is also one of the major rituals of Bastar Dussehra.

During the initial phase of Navratri, the tradition of Jogi Bithai is observed at Sirasar Bhawan.

According to traditional accounts, a person sits continuously in a yoga posture for nine days.

This ritual is considered a symbol of the spiritual and penance-related tradition of Bastar Dussehra.

11. Arrival of Deities

An important feature of Bastar Dussehra is the arrival of local deities from different areas.

From different villages and regions of the Bastar area, symbols of deities, Dolis, Chhatras and other sacred symbols participate in the festival.

Because of this, Bastar Dussehra does not remain merely a festival of Jagdalpur, but becomes a festival representing the community and religious participation of the entire Bastar region.

12. Mavli Parghav

Mavli Parghav is a very important religious stage of Bastar Dussehra.

It involves the traditional welcome of Maa Mavli.

The tradition of Maa Mavli is associated with the religious tradition of Maa Danteshwari.

The arrival of the Goddess from Dantewada and her traditional welcome in Jagdalpur are considered among the major religious moments of Bastar Dussehra.

13. Chariot Procession and Chariot Parikrama

The chariot procession is extremely important in Bastar Dussehra.

The traditional chariot is pulled by devotees and members of the community.

A large number of people participate along with the chariot, and the event takes place amidst traditional music and a religious atmosphere.

The chariot procession is an important symbol of Bastar's community unity and religious faith.

14. Bhitar Raini

Bhitar Raini holds a special place among the major chariot traditions of Bastar Dussehra.

It is one of the important religious stages associated with the chariot.

During this ritual, the traditional chariot is operated according to the prescribed religious tradition.

Bhitar Raini highlights the distinctive nature of the chariot rituals of Bastar Dussehra.

15. Bahar Raini

Bahar Raini is another important stage of the chariot rituals of Bastar Dussehra.

It is part of the religious journey of the chariot and the traditional rituals associated with it.

Bhitar Raini and Bahar Raini together represent the distinctive chariot tradition of Bastar Dussehra.

16. Nisha Jatra

Nisha Jatra is one of the major nighttime religious traditions of Bastar Dussehra.

This ritual is organized at night and includes traditional religious procedures, worship and community participation.

Nisha Jatra reflects those traditions of Bastar Dussehra in which religious faith and tribal cultural beliefs are seen together.

17. Bahini Rani

Bahini Rani is also mentioned among the major rituals of Bastar Dussehra.

It is part of the traditional religious rituals associated with the final phase of the festival.

The event associated with Bahini Rani holds special cultural significance in the chariot tradition of Bastar Dussehra.

18. Muria Darbar

The most important event associated with the conclusion of Bastar Dussehra is Muria Darbar.

Traditionally, it was a platform where representatives of different communities, especially representatives of the Muria tribe and Manjhi-Mukhiyas, presented their problems and community-related matters.

The tradition of listening to people's problems in the presence of the King/Maharaja was an important part of Bastar's traditional social system.

Today, this tradition continues in a new form along with the modern administrative system.

Muria Darbar takes Bastar Dussehra beyond a religious festival and connects it with social dialogue and community participation.

19. Farewell of Deities

After the conclusion of Bastar Dussehra, the deities and sacred symbols that arrived from different regions are traditionally given farewell.

The symbols associated with the Goddess Maa Danteshwari/Mavli are respectfully taken back.

This stage symbolizes the conclusion of the religious cycle of the festival that continued for a long period.

20. Bastar Dussehra and Maa Danteshwari

Maa Danteshwari holds a special place in the religious and cultural identity of Bastar.

The Maa Danteshwari Temple located in Dantewada is one of the major Shakti Peethas and religious centres of the Bastar region.

In Bastar Dussehra, traditions associated with Maa Danteshwari, the arrival of the Goddess, the tradition of the Doli and Chhatra, and the worship of the Goddess hold special importance.

For this reason, Bastar Dussehra is considered deeply connected with the Goddess tradition and community faith of Bastar.

21. Participation of Tribal Communities

Bastar Dussehra represents the tribal culture of Bastar in an important way.

Different tribal and local communities of Bastar perform their traditional roles in this festival.

Active participation of local communities can be seen in deity traditions, worship and rituals, chariot construction, music, dance, religious symbols and community events.

For this reason, Bastar Dussehra is considered an example of living tribal cultural heritage.

22. Folk Music and Cultural Atmosphere

During Bastar Dussehra, Jagdalpur and the surrounding areas come alive with traditional cultural activities.

Traditional musical instruments, folk music, community dances and religious songs give a special character to the atmosphere of the festival.

This cultural expression also serves as a medium for carrying Bastar's oral and folk traditions to the new generation.

23. Bastar Dussehra and Traditional Crafts

Bastar is famous across India and abroad for its traditional art and crafts.

The major traditional arts of Bastar include:

• Woodcraft
• Bamboo craft
• Clay art
• Metal craft
• Bell Metal/Dhokra art
• Traditional sculpture

During major cultural occasions such as Bastar Dussehra, visitors get an opportunity to see and understand local crafts and artistic traditions.