Festivals of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and deep-rooted tribal influences, is home to some of the most unique and colorful festivals in India. These festivals are not just celebrations but reflect the age-old customs, religious beliefs, and social bonding of the people. From tribal festivities to mainstream Hindu celebrations, Chhattisgarh offers a diverse mix of festivals that attract tourists, researchers, and culture enthusiasts from all over the world.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all the major festivals of Chhattisgarh, their significance, how they are celebrated, and their impact on society.

1. Bastar Dussehra – The Longest Dussehra in the World

One of the most famous festivals of Chhattisgarh, Bastar Dussehra, is celebrated in Bastar district and is known as the longest Dussehra celebration in the world. Unlike mainstream Dussehra, which is centered around Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Bastar Dussehra is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of the region.

Key Highlights:

• Celebrated for 75 days, making it one of the longest festivals in India.
• Rituals include Kachha Dussehra, Muria Durbar, Kaachan Gadi, and Rath Yatra.
• Tribes from different parts of Bastar participate in processions and offer prayers.
• Traditional weapons, ornaments, and tribal dances are showcased.

2. Goncha Festival – The Tribal Rath Yatra of Chhattisgarh

Goncha Festival, also known as the Tribal Rath Yatra, is celebrated in Jagdalpur on the occasion of Rath Yatra, similar to the one in Puri, Odisha.

Key Highlights:

• The festival features a grand procession of the wooden chariot of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
• Locals use Goncha (a type of fruit) as bullets in mock fights using toy guns.
• Unique tribal music and folk performances.
• Lesser know festivals of Chhattisgarh.

3. Madai Festival – A Grand Tribal Fair

Madai Festival is one of the most significant tribal festivals of Chhattisgarh, mainly celebrated by the Gond and Maria tribes. It is a moving festival as it takes place in different villages at different times.

Key Highlights:

• Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari and other local deities.
• Grand processions, sacrifices, folk songs, and dances.
• The festival serves as a gathering place for trade and social bonding.
• Takes place between December and March.

4. Rajim Kumbh Mela – The Religious Gathering of Sages

Rajim Kumbh Mela is often called the Prayag of Chhattisgarh, similar to the Kumbh Mela of North India. It is held in Rajim, on the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is very religious festivals of Chhattisgarh.

Key Highlights:

• A 15-day religious fair attracting thousands of pilgrims.
• Ritualistic holy dip in the Mahanadi River.
• Satsangs, bhajans, and spiritual discourses by saints and sages.
• Grand Shobha Yatra and Ganga Aarti.

5. Hareli Festival – The Festival of Farmers

Hareli Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by farmers in Chhattisgarh.

Key Highlights:

• Farmers worship agricultural tools and cattle.
• Green leafy branches are hung on the doorways to ward off evil spirits.
• Traditional games like ‘Gedi’ (bamboo stilts) are played by children.

6. Teeja Festival – The Women’s Festival

Teeja Festival is similar to Teej in Rajasthan and other northern states, celebrated by married and unmarried women.

Key Highlights:

• Women fast for their husband’s long life and well-being.
• Folk songs and dances are performed in groups.
• Women visit their maternal homes during this time.
• It is the most loved festivals of Chhattisgarh by women of Chhattisgarh

7. Champaran Mela – The Birthplace of Vallabhacharya

Champaran, a religious town in Chhattisgarh, hosts the Champaran Mela to honor Saint Vallabhacharya, the founder of the Pushti Marg sect.

Key Highlights:

• Devotees visit Vallabhacharya’s birthplace and temple.
• Bhajans, kirtans, and religious discourses.
• Large gatherings of Vaishnav saints.

8. Narayanpur Mela – The Vibrant Tribal Festival

Held in Narayanpur, this fair is a showcase of tribal traditions, handicrafts, and rituals.

Key Highlights:

• Colorful tribal dance performances.
• Exhibitions of tribal handicrafts, jewelry, and weapons.
• A blend of religious devotion and tribal joyful festivals of Chhattisgarh

9. Pola Festival – Worship of Bullocks

Pola is an agricultural festival where farmers honor their bullocks. It is the most loved festivals of Chhattisgarh by the children as they get to play with the bullocks and other kitchen toys made with clay.

Key Highlights:

• Bullocks are bathed, decorated, and worshipped.
• Special delicacies like Puran Poli and Khurmi are prepared.
• Children play with Nandi-shaped wooden bullocks.

10. Chher Chhera Festival – The Festival of Gratitude and Harvest

Chher Chhera is a harvest festival celebrated mainly by farmers and rural communities in Chhattisgarh. It marks the end of the harvest season, and people express gratitude for a bountiful yield.

Key Highlights:

• Celebrated on Paush Purnima (full moon day of the Paush month).
• Children and women go door to door singing “Chher Chhera Ma Dai, Kothi Ke Dhaan Her Hera”, asking for donations of grains.
• Farmers distribute grains and food to the needy as a symbol of prosperity and sharing.
• The festival fosters community bonding and charity.
• Songs are available dedicated to Chher Chhera Festival.

Conclusion

Festivals of Chhattisgarh are a beautiful blend of tribal traditions, religious rituals, and agricultural celebrations. Each festival has its unique customs, folk songs, dances, and social significance, making Chhattisgarh a land of vibrant cultural diversity.

If you wish to experience the real essence of Chhattisgarh, visiting during its festival season is the best way to witness the state’s heritage, unity, and colorful traditions.