Bastar Dussehra 2023: In contrast to other regions of India, the Dasara festival in Bastar has nothing to do with Rama’s victory over Ravana. The Dussehra celebration in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is associated with deity Danteshwari, the principal deity of the region’s tribal peoples. The date of Bastar Dussehra 2023 is October 24. The duration of the rituals is approximately two months. Beginning on the 14th of October, 2023 (Mahalaya Amavasya), the rituals are performed for two weeks.
Bastar’s principal veneration is devoted to nature and Devi Danteshwari, the presiding deity.
Initially noted in the 13th century
Thousands of tribals from adjacent villages and jungles congregate here to honour Devi Danteshwari.
The murti of the goddess is removed from the ancient Danteshwari temple and then transported through the city in a procession.
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Bastar Dussehra 2023: Rituals of Importance – Pujas and Worship
Kalash Sthapana, Pata Jatra (wood veneration), and Lighting Jyoti. Kalash Deri Gadhai (pillars’ installation)
Kachan Gaadi (installation of the throne for Devi Kachan), Nisha Jatra (festival of the night), and muria durbar (conference of tribal chieftains) are three of the most important Hindu festivals.
On the last and final day, Ohadi (farewell to the gods) is performed.
According to legend, Maharaja Purushottam Deo, a Kakatiya sovereign, initiated the Dasara festival in Bastar in the thirteenth century. He performed penance and walked to the Puri Jagannath Temple on foot. He appeased the deity through pujas and petitions. He also contributed a substantial amount of gold coinage.
That night, Lord Jagannath appeared in the dream of the temple’s chief priest and requested him to present the king with a 12-wheeled chariot.
Since then, overlords of Bastar have been known as Rathapat and have ridden chariots during the Dasara festival.
The ceremonial pulling of the chariot through the town by communities is a distinctive feature of the Dasara festival in this city. The chariot features the emblem of the goddess Danteshwari.
Important to the festival are tribal performances performed in traditional garb. Traditional tribal music is performed during the festivities.
