5. Maa Chandrahasini Devi Temple — Chandrapur
Location: Chandrapur, Janjgir-Champa Region, Chhattisgarh
The Maa Chandrahasini Devi Temple is a prominent spiritual and scenic attraction located along the banks of the Mahanadi River. According to local administrative records, it lies approximately 22 km east of the Dabhra tehsil headquarters.
Navratri Fair
A grand fair is held here during Navratri, attracting devotees from across Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states such as Odisha. The scenic riverside setting, combined with festive temple rituals and market stalls, gives Chandrapur a unique appeal.
Key Highlights
· Maa Chandrahasini Devi Temple
· Mahanadi riverbanks
· Expansive Navratri fair
· Religious and cultural festivities
· Cultural participation from neighbouring states
How to Reach
· By Train: The nearest major railway stations include Champa, Janjgir-Naila, and Raigarh. From these stations, taxis and buses are available to Chandrapur.
· By Road: Chandrapur is approximately 22 km east of Dabhra, around 30–32 km from Raigarh, and approximately 22 km from Sarangarh. The distance from Raipur varies according to the selected route.
· By Air: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, is the nearest major commercial airport. Visitors can continue to Chandrapur by taxi or road transport.
6. Jawara Sthapana and Visarjan
In both rural and urban areas of Chhattisgarh, the tradition of sowing and immersing Jawara forms a central part of Navratri folk customs.
At the beginning of Navratri, devotees sow sacred barley or wheat seeds, known as Jawara, accompanied by prayers to the Mother Goddess. The shoots are tended and venerated over the nine days, followed by ceremonial immersion (Visarjan) on Vijayadashami or at the close of Navratri.
During the immersion procession, devotional folk hymns (Jasgeet), rhythmic drumbeats, and grand public processions fill the streets. This event represents not only a devotional rite but also an authentic expression of Chhattisgarh’s agrarian folk traditions.
Cultural Significance
The Jawara tradition reflects the agricultural way of life in Chhattisgarh. Honouring new green shoots alongside goddess worship remains a deeply meaningful element of rural heritage.
Key Highlights
· Jawara Sthapana (sowing ritual)
· Daily goddess worship
· Jasgeet and folk devotional songs
· Traditional musical instruments
· Community processions
· Jawara Visarjan ceremony
· Rich folk and agrarian heritage
7. Garba and Dandiya Celebrations
During Navratri, Garba and Dandiya events have become a vibrant hallmark of modern urban festivities across Chhattisgarh’s major cities.
Across Raipur, Bhilai, Durg, Bilaspur, and other towns, community groups, cultural bodies, and event organisers host well-attended Garba and Dandiya nights.
Features of the Events
Traditional attire, lively music, synchronised group dancing, and festive stage sets are the primary attractions. Many venues feature live orchestral music, indigenous and folk instruments, competitions, and special cultural presentations.
Tourism and Cultural Value
These celebrations showcase the evolving urban cultural tapestry of Chhattisgarh, drawing participation from various age groups and diverse communities.
8. WRS Colony, Raipur — Dussehra and Ravan Dahan
Location: WRS Colony Ground, Raipur
The WRS Colony Ground in Raipur hosts one of Chhattisgarh's most prominent public Dussehra celebrations on Vijayadashami. Alongside the burning of Ravana's effigy, massive effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghanada are major highlights.
Colossal Effigies
The signature highlight of the WRS Dussehra celebration is the scale of its effigies. Historically, the effigy of Ravana has risen to around 100 feet, while those of Kumbhakarna and Meghanada have stood around 85 feet tall. The event routinely attracts tens of thousands of spectators.
Cultural Performances
Along with the effigy burning, the celebrations feature vibrant cultural programmes, stage enactments based on the Ramayana, fireworks displays, and public entertainment.
Tourism Value
For travellers visiting Raipur during Vijayadashami, the WRS Dussehra stands out as a major public event, defined by towering effigies, theatrical performances, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.
9. Bengali Community Durga Puja
The Kalibari area in Raipur serves as a primary hub for the religious and cultural life of the Bengali community. Historical accounts note that Durga Puja celebrations at Kalibari Chowk have a tradition spanning multiple decades, entering their 93rd year in 2025.
Throughout Durga Puja, carefully sculpted idols of Goddess Durga, traditional Vedic rites, decorative pandals, and community cultural performances form the main attractions.
Cultural Significance
Kalibari’s Durga Puja showcases the preserved cultural heritage of the Bengali community in Raipur, offering traditional musical performances, artistic pandal designs, and collective festivities.
10. Bengali Community Kali Puja — Kalibari
Kali Puja is celebrated on the night of Kartik Amavasya, which coincides with Diwali night, to honour Goddess Kali. In Bengali tradition, this observance holds immense spiritual and ritual importance.
In Raipur, the Kalibari tradition marks Diwali night with specialised tantric and Vedic pujas for Goddess Kali, accompanied by sacred mantra chanting, spiritual devotion, and night-long vigils.
As it forms part of the wider festive season following Navratri, this celebration can be featured on web portals under a broader section such as “Major Devotional Celebrations of Navratri and Diwali.”
Key Highlights
· Sacred idol and worship of Goddess Kali
· Traditional Bengali ritual practices
· Vedic and tantric mantra recitations
· Night-long spiritual vigil (Ratri Jagran)
· Preservation of traditional Bengali culture
· Broad community participation
· Special festive observances on Diwali night
Summary
Navratri in Chhattisgarh is a prominent festival celebrating faith, tradition, and cultural diversity. During Navratri, special worship rituals, religious ceremonies, and vibrant fairs are organised at major goddess shrines such as Maa Bamleshwari, Maa Mahamaya, Maa Kudargadhi, Maa Danteshwari, and Maa Chandrahasini.
Events such as Jawara Visarjan, Garba and Dandiya, Durga Puja, Ravan Dahan, and Kali Puja impart a broad cultural dimension to these celebrations. Reflecting the rich heritage and diverse traditions of Chhattisgarh, these religious and cultural festivities give the state a distinctive identity in religious and cultural tourism.
