Did you know that the longest celebration in the world lasts for about 75 days? Bastar Dussehra, celebrated in the heart of Chhattisgarh, is one of the lesser-known Dussehra celebrations in the country. Read on to find out about it!
Dussehra in Bastar stands out as a unique and deeply rooted ritual, observed with great fervor over an extraordinary span of seventy-five days during the Hindu month of Ashwin. Unlike the traditional Dussehra that marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the Bastar celebration is a spiritual gathering dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari (one of the 52 Shakti Peeths existing in the country) and various local deities. A more modest version of this festival is also held earlier in the year during the month of Chaitra. Rich in tradition and cultural depth, Bastar Dussehra is a captivating event that reflects the region’s distinct heritage and devotion. In 2025, Bastar Dusshera’s celebrations start on Thursday, 2 October.
History of Bastar Dussehra – A Royal Affair
The origins of the festival date back to the early 15th century. Maharaja Purushaottam Deo, the then ruler, first initiated the festival of Dussehra. The royal family, also called the ‘Raj family of Bastar’, worshipped the ancient arms of the Goddess Danteswari for 10 days.
One of the inherent traits of Bastar Dussehra is the formal transfer of control of the state to the Diwan, keeping the Zamindar and similar important personalities as witnesses. One of the most mysterious characteristics of this ceremony is the process of asking permission from a girl (before handing over the power to the Diwan). She is believed to have been possessed by spiritual powers and is seen with a wooden sword and standing in a war-like posture. The festival begins on Kunwar Amavasya. On the night of the first day, the customary transfer of control takes place.
The second day of Dussehra is called Pratipada, which is followed by singing prayers to the lord in the form of aarti and salami. On the ninth day, the Raja of Bastar welcomes goddess Danteswari, who comes to the entrance of the city in a carriage or doli.
The tenth day of the festival is Dussehra, when the Raja organizes a darbar where people come and present their requests. The celebrations conclude on the last day with an aarti ceremony.
Who is Goddess Danteshwari?
According to Hindu mythology, after Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, committed self-immolation in the sacred fire pit, Shiva was extremely sad and angry. The anger led Shiva to carry her body while performing tandava, with the motive to destroy the world.
To protect the world, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Sati into 52 pieces. It is said that the teeth (dant) of the Goddess fell in Bastar. This is where the Danteshwari Temple is located.
Traditional tribal rituals and harvest festivals inspire the 75-day-long festival of Dusshera.
Tribal Traditions in Bastar
The tribal community of Bastar is known for its unique traditions. The tribal people are cut off from the world that we know. They have a rich culture and heritage preserved in its raw form from centuries ago. Unlike most parts of the country, the meaning and celebration of Dusshera are extremely different in the country.
Bastar Dussehra begins on the new moon day in the Hindu month of Shravan (Savan). People bring wood from the forest and build chariots to mark the beginning of the celebrations. This ritual is called Pat Jatra. This festival goes on till Dusshera and ends with the ritual of Muria Durbar. This is where the Maharaja listens to the problems of the public. Some popular tribal traditions of Bastar are listed below:
Dead column
Much like the pyramids of Egypt, the tribal community of Bastar pays homage to its dead in a unique way. This tradition is known as ” Gudi” in the local language, or the deceased pillar. The Maria and Muria tribe in South Bastar make pillars for the dead. The dead are buried, and a wide and sharp stone brought away from the hill is placed 6 to 7 feet high.
Ghotul
Popular in the Madia tribes of Bastar, young tribal fellows come together to celebrate any festivals. During this time, they are free to choose their own life partner.
To witness the beauty of the tribal culture of Bastar, visit the tribal town this Dusshera. Download Savaari’s car rental app to book rides quickly and seamlessly. Partake in the mesmerising celebrations and witness the entire Bastar region come alive in vibrant colours and festive vibes.
Summing up
Bastar Dussehra (Jagadalpur Dussehra) is in no way linked to the epic Ramayana or has any connection with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is more a congregation of regional deities, summoned to meet the presiding deity – Goddess Danteshwari. Being the lengthiest celebration (a 75-day festival), Dussehra in Bastar is a spectacle to watch as it involves the tribal people here participating in the different events and also performing tribal dances. The highlight of the festival is the Pat Jatra and chariot construction, as well as praying to the Sal Tree and the deity, Goddess Danteshwari.
Planning to witness the unique Jagadalpur Dussehra in all its pomp and glory? Book a car rental in Nagpur with Savaari and embark on a hassle-free journey to Bastar.
FAQs
What is Bastar Dussehra and why is it unique?
Bastar Dussehra is a 75-day-long tribal festival celebrated in Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh). This is a unique festival in India because it is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar, rather than celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
How old is Bastar Dussehra?
It is believed to be more than 600 years old, started by the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty.
What is special about the Rath (chariot) in Bastar Dussehra?
The massive wooden chariot (35–40 feet high) is built anew every year from Sal wood without using nails. Thousands of devotees pull it in Jagdalpur.
When is Bastar Dussehra celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, Bastar Dussehra will begin in late August and continue till mid-October, with significant events in the Navratri period (end of September to early October).
How can tourists reach Jagdalpur for Bastar Dussehra?
Tourists can reach Bastar via road, train, and flight.
- By Air: Book flights to Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, the nearest airport to Bastar, situated 244km away. From there, you can hire a car rental in Raipur with Savaari and reach Bastar safely.
- By Train: Jagadalpur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Bastar. Once you reach Jagadalpur, you can hire a chauffeur-driven cab service with Savaari to reach your destination.
- By Road: You can either take a bus or book a car rental in Visakhapatnam with Savaari or hire cabs from Raipur to reach Bastar by road.
Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by V Subhadra
