Maai Danteshwari’s Legacy, Naxal Cracks & Security Updates

Dantewada's famous Maa Danteshwari Temple rests on 24 teak pillars, adorned with exquisite carvings by Odishan artists. The temple houses the idol of Goddess Danteshwari, along with a marble lion-mounted lion-mounted lion-mounted lion and a wooden statue of Lord Vishnu.

History tells us that King Hirala Chiter of Warangal built this temple in 1880. In 1958, Maharaja Pravirchandra Bhanjdeo installed idols of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Kali here. The temple also houses rare Ashtadhatu idols, of which the Shatbhuji and Ashtabhuji idols of Maa Danteshwari are particularly noteworthy. During Sharadiya Navratri, the goddess is worshipped with her face facing south and during Chaitra Navratri, facing east. The temple's entrance also features images of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Garuda.

The government's crackdown on Naxalism deepens the divisions within the organization.

Jagdalpur Chhattisgarh and the central government are implementing an aggressive strategy to eliminate Naxalism from Bastar. Emphasis is being placed on dismantling both the forest and urban networks. The recent arrest of the wanted Naxalite Rama Hincham from Raipur was a major success in this campaign. Several prominent Naxalite leaders from Telangana and Bastar have also been killed or surrendered. Due to this pressure, differences within the organization have begun to surface—one spokesperson is offering talks, while another faction of the organization is opposing it. According to sources, several Naxalite leaders are contacting security forces in preparation for surrender. Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that Naxalism will be completely eradicated from Bastar by March 2026.

Devotee and Tradition at Dussehra: The Last Circumambulation of the Phool Rath Completed
Jagdalpur. As part of the tradition of the world-famous Bastar Dussehra, the final circumambulation of the Phool Rath was completed in the presence of thousands of devotees. The umbrella of Goddess Danteshwari was placed on the chariot and taken from Sirasar Chowk to Golbazar. During this time, police personnel fired celebratory shots and gave the Goddess a guard of honor. A special havan and puja (worship) will be held on Maha Ashtami, expected to be attended by over five thousand devotees. The temple committee has arranged for prasad and a feast. Devotees are seeking the Goddess's blessings by lighting wish lamps. Preparations have also begun for the upcoming Dussehra rituals—Mawali Parghav, Muria Darbar, and Kutumb Jatra.

Maa Danteshwari's Doli to Leave for Jagdalpur
As per the Bastar Dussehra tradition, Maa Danteshwari's Doli and Chhatra will depart from Dantewada for Jagdalpur. Before embarking on the Doli, permission is sought from the city police chief, Bodhraj Baba, who is considered the protector of Dantewada. According to tradition, the Doli first reaches Jaistambh Chowk and then Bodhraj Baba's hut. Upon reaching Jagdalpur, the Doli will rest at Jiya Dera and participate in the Maawali Parghav ritual the next day. Upon return, the palanquin returns to the temple only after obtaining Bodhraj Baba's permission. This entire journey showcases a unique blend of faith, tradition, and devotion to the goddess.

Security forces recover 5 IEDs, avert major incident
Security forces achieved a major success in the Kodliyar area of ​​the Kohkameta police station area. During a de-mining and search operation, soldiers recovered 5-kilogram Cooker Command IEDs. A joint team of the ITBP's 53rd Battalion, the District Force, and the BDS safely destroyed all the IEDs on the spot. This timely action averted a major incident. It was reported that Naxalites had planted these IEDs to target security forces.

Plan to build a barrage on the Indravati River stalled, raising concerns among farmers

Plans to build two large barrages on the Indravati River have been pending for a long time. These proposed barrages in Deurgaon and Matnar are estimated to cost ₹824 crore. The 32-meter-high barrage to be built at Matnar is planned to irrigate approximately 1,200 hectares and generate electricity, while the Deurgaon barrage will irrigate 1,800 acres. The construction of the barrage will ensure continued water flow at Chitrakoot Falls even during the summer and boost tourism. However, this plan has been scuttled due to a lack of administrative and technical approvals, leading to disappointment among farmers.

Incomplete underground wiring work before Dussehra is raising concerns

The underground wiring work, costing Rs 5.19 crore, on the main route for the Bastar Dussehra Rath Parikrama has not been completed on time. Work on the Phool Rath Marg has been completed, but progress on the main Rath Marg is extremely slow. The committee has been demanding this work for years to prevent wire breakage and short circuits. According to workers, limited manpower and technical difficulties are hampering the work. The department claims that the work will be completed before the Phool Rath Parikrama, but devotees and committee members are skeptical.

Major crackdown on illegal mineral transportation, 12 vehicles seized
The Mineral Department launched a campaign to stop the illegal transportation of minor minerals and seized 12 vehicles. These included nine tippers, two heavy vehicles, and one tractor-trolley, transporting limestone and sand. The action was carried out in Farsaguda, Badanji, Kodenar, Kumharvand, Marenga, and other areas. The departmental investigation team handed over the vehicles to the police and registered a case. Mineral Officer Shikhar Cherpa stated that such action will continue to curb illegal mining and transportation.