Bastar Dussehra, a globally recognized festival, is scheduled to start on July 24th and conclude on October 7th this year. The festival showcases a unique fusion of faith, tradition, and tribal culture, attracting numerous visitors from India and other countries to Bastar. The festivities will begin with the Pat Jatra ceremony on July 24th, during which a sacred wooden log is brought and worshipped at the Danteshwari Temple premises. This log, known as Turru Khotla, is used to make tools for constructing the chariot. Following this, the chariot-building process commences, with the collection of wood from the forest.
The head priest of the Danteshwari Temple stated that this tradition has been observed since the princely era and continues to be celebrated with utmost reverence and adherence to customs. The tradition is believed to have started when Purushottam Dev arrived in Bastar from Jagannath Puri, bringing with him the title of Rathpati.
Key Religious Events of Bastar Dussehra:
August 29 – Bel Jatra ritual
September 5 – Dheri Garai Puna ritual
September 21 – Kachhangadi Puja
September 22 – Kalash Sthapana Puja
September 23 – Jogi Bithai Puna
September 24 – Navratri Puja ritual
September 29 – Phool Rath Parikrama
September 30 – Nisha Jatra Puna ritual
October 1 – Jogi Uthai and Mavali Parghav Puja ritual
October 2 – Bhitar Raini Puja ritual
October 3 – Bahar Raini Puja ritual
October 5 – Kachhan Jatra Puja ritual and Muriya Darbar
October 6 – Kutumb Jatra Puja ritual
October 7 – Dussehra concludes with the farewell of the Doli (palanquin).