The organizing committee has extended a formal invitation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to attend the world-famous Bastar Dussehra and Muria Darbar.
The Manjhi-Chalaki and Mebarin, led by Bastar MP and Dussehra Committee President Mahesh Kashyap, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. During the ceremony, they extended a formal invitation to attend the Bastar Dussehra and Muria Darbar, and presented him with a picture of Goddess Danteshwari.
Why is Bastar Dussehra Special?
In India, Dussehra is generally considered a symbol of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. However, the Dussehra celebrated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is quite different and mysterious. It is neither associated with Ravana Dahan nor Ramlila—instead, it is the world's longest Dussehra festival, spanning 75 days, and is deeply rooted in the worship of Goddess Danteshwari, tantric rituals, tribal traditions, and profound spiritual mysteries.
Originated in the 13th Century
It is said that in the 13th century, the then king of Bastar, Purushottam Dev, initiated this festival at the behest of Goddess Danteshwari. It is believed that after visiting the goddess in Jagdalpur, the king resolved to initiate the Dussehra festival to protect the kingdom. (Bastar Dussehra) But this Dussehra was no ordinary celebration—it involved mystical aspects such as tantric rituals, the goddess's chariot, night worship, and the invocation of unknown powers.
13 Rituals Over 75 Days
Bastar Dussehra begins on Hareli Amavasya and concludes with 13 major rituals. These rituals include Pat Jatra (the tradition of bringing wood), the goddess's request, Kachin Gaddi, Rathaarohna, Maavali Parghav, and finally, the farewell of Bahram Dev. Each stage holds its own mystique—especially the Maawali Yatra, in which the idol of the goddess is brought from the forest in the dark of night, where only special priests are permitted.
The Role of Tribal Priests
In Bastar Dussehra, tribal priests (Gudiya, Sirha, and Manjhi) play a prominent role, replacing Brahmins. Secret Tantric rituals are performed at night, which no outsider is allowed to participate in. These night worships are believed to appease the invisible forces that protect Bastar.
The Untold Link of "Maawali"
During Bastar Dussehra, Goddess Danteshwari is considered the state's family deity, but another goddess, "Maawali," plays a special role in the festival, brought from the forest and seated alongside Danteshwari. This tradition reflects the deep mystical connection between nature, the forest, and the goddess in Bastar.
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