The World's Longest Festival Is Celebrated In This Indian State
The festival starts with Pat Jatra, a ritual where wood from the sacred Sal tree is brought from the forest and worshiped at the temple of Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar. What makes it even more special is that it begins long before Navratri and continues well beyond the usual Dussehra dates. Each ritual in the festival is deeply symbolic and integral to the tribal way of life in the region. (News18 HIndi)
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Among the most striking features of Bastar Dussehra is the construction of a massive wooden chariot, a responsibility given exclusively to the residents of two designated villages. The wood for this chariot is sourced from the Bilori forest, and the construction process reflects a blend of ancient craftsmanship, cultural pride, and royal tradition. The Rath Yatra has become a major visual and spiritual highlight of the celebrations. (News18 HIndi)
Throughout the 75 days, numerous rituals are performed in sequence, such as Deri Gadai, Kalash Sthapana, Jogi Bithai, Nisha Jatra, Mawali Parghav, Muria Darbar, and the final Kutumb Jatra. Each holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning and showcases the rich heritage of the tribal communities that have preserved these customs for generations. The continuity of these traditions underscores the festival's enduring significance. (News18 Hindi)
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Legend has it that Bastar Dussehra is linked to Lord Jagannath. King Purushottam of Bastar is said to have undertaken a Dandavat Yatra (a pilgrimage in prostration) to Jagannath Puri, where Lord Jagannath, pleased by his devotion, awarded him the title of ' Rathapat i' and a divine chariot. As a result, the Rath Yatra is central to Bastar Dussehra. While Dussehra will end on October 2 across most of India, Bastar Dussehra will conclude on October 7, marking the end of its 75-day-long spiritual journey. (News18 Hindi)
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News18
5 days ago
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The World's Longest Festival Is Celebrated In This Indian State
The world's longest-running festival, Bastar Dussehra 2025, began on Friday, July 25, with Hareli Amavasya in Chhattisgarh. Spanning an extraordinary 75 days, this unique celebration is steeped in centuries-old traditions and spiritual rituals that set it apart from the typical Dussehra festivities observed elsewhere in India. The grandeur of Bastar Dussehra, rooted in tribal culture and local beliefs, draws visitors and devotees from across the country and abroad. (News18 Hindi) The festival starts with Pat Jatra, a ritual where wood from the sacred Sal tree is brought from the forest and worshiped at the temple of Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar. What makes it even more special is that it begins long before Navratri and continues well beyond the usual Dussehra dates. Each ritual in the festival is deeply symbolic and integral to the tribal way of life in the region. (News18 HIndi) 3/5 Among the most striking features of Bastar Dussehra is the construction of a massive wooden chariot, a responsibility given exclusively to the residents of two designated villages. The wood for this chariot is sourced from the Bilori forest, and the construction process reflects a blend of ancient craftsmanship, cultural pride, and royal tradition. The Rath Yatra has become a major visual and spiritual highlight of the celebrations. (News18 HIndi) Throughout the 75 days, numerous rituals are performed in sequence, such as Deri Gadai, Kalash Sthapana, Jogi Bithai, Nisha Jatra, Mawali Parghav, Muria Darbar, and the final Kutumb Jatra. Each holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning and showcases the rich heritage of the tribal communities that have preserved these customs for generations. The continuity of these traditions underscores the festival's enduring significance. (News18 Hindi) 5/5 Legend has it that Bastar Dussehra is linked to Lord Jagannath. King Purushottam of Bastar is said to have undertaken a Dandavat Yatra (a pilgrimage in prostration) to Jagannath Puri, where Lord Jagannath, pleased by his devotion, awarded him the title of ' Rathapat i' and a divine chariot. As a result, the Rath Yatra is central to Bastar Dussehra. While Dussehra will end on October 2 across most of India, Bastar Dussehra will conclude on October 7, marking the end of its 75-day-long spiritual journey. (News18 Hindi)
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