While the rest of India celebrates Dussehra by lighting towering effigies of Ravana and his brothers, an ancient celebration takes place in India’s Chhattisgarh. Known as a culturally rich and forested district of Chhattisgarh, Bastar celebrates Dussehra in a very unique way known as Bastar Dussehra. It is not a single-day event; instead, it is a majestic 75-day festival that is widely known as the longest festival across the globe. And for 2026, it has already begun! But what exactly is this festival? How is it celebrated? Let’s find out!
What Is Bastar Dussehra?
Bastar Dussehra does share its name with the pan-India festival Dussehra but has no connection to the epic Ramayana narrative. Instead, this festival in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is said to be an expression of thanksgiving, devotion, and communal harmony to Maa Danteshwari. She is said to be an incarnation of Shakti Durga, with her primary shrine at nearby Dantewada and hundreds of regional tribal deities.
The festival originated over 600 years ago during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty. It originally served as a grand assembly where the ruler of Bastar would connect with priests, tribal communities, and headmen. This was done to govern, resolve disputes, and seek divine protection.
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Bastar Dussehra 2026 Rituals
The 75-day journey is divided into a sequence of rituals:
Pat Jatra
The festival officially begins with Pat Jatra on Hareli Amavasya. On this day, the timber logs cut from the pristine sal forests are worshipped. These logs are the raw material that is then used for constructing massive traditional chariots or raths. Weeks after this day, Deri Gadai is observed, which is the ritual installation of the primary pillars that anchor the structure of the chariot.
Kachhin Gadi
Kachhin Gadi is a unique ritual where a young girl from a local community symbolically represents Kachhin Devi. That girl is made to sit on a swing that is made of thorns. Through this ritual, the community asks for the Goddess’ divine permission to begin the chariot festival.
Jogi Bithai
After the permission, a Jogi or ascetic enters a strict nine-day spiritual meditation. They are seated inside a specially constructed four-feet-deep pit near the Danteshwari Temple. This silent penance is said to maintain the spiritual shield.
Rath Yatra
The biggest highlight and important aspect of Bastar Dussehra is its hand-built wooden chariot. The chariot here is unique as it is built entirely without iron screws or nails and has massive multi-wheeled structures. It is constructed by local craftsmen from Bhatra, Muria, and other communities.
Hundreds of villagers pull massive wooden chariots in procession, including the four-wheeled Phool Rath and the eight-wheeled Vijay Rath. This represents King Purushottam Dev’s tradition of the 16-wheeled chariot.
Nisha Jatra
Nisha Jatra is held on the night of Maha Asthami and is known as a powerful nighttime ritual. Devotees gather at a sacred forest shrine which otherwise remains sealed for the rest of the year. They offer prayers under the glow of torches.
Bhitar Raini and Bahar Raini
Bhitar Raini is a massive chariot that takes a sacred ceremonial round of the Mavli Temple.
Bahar Raini is a fascinating custom where the massive chariot is traditionally stolen. It is hidden at Kumdakot, which is 3 kms outside Jagdalpur. Finding and reclaiming the chariot is a part of the rituals.
Muria Darbar
Muria Darbar is a democratic gathering where tribal headmen from remote hamlets gather to discuss community and local grievance matters with dignitaries.
Vidai
After months of shared celebrations, with Maa Mavli Doli Vidai, the deities return back to their respective shrines.
Bastar Dussehra 2026 Dates
Bastar Dussehra, unlike other festivals, does not follow a standard national calendar. It instead follows a tribal and lunar calendar which runs from the new moon or Amavasya of the Shravan month till the autumn celebrations of the Ashwin month.
The festival begins on August 12, 2026, and will conclude on October 27, 2026. The opening ritual, which is the Pat Jatra, is celebrated on August 12, 2026. Mid-October is the core festive peak phase of the festival. Vijayadashami is the main date of celebration, which falls on October 20, 2026, while the closing ritual, known as Maa Mavli Vidai, will be hosted on October 27, 2026.
Also Read: When Does Navratri 2026 Begin? Dates, Ghatasthapana Timings, 9 Days & Dussehra
Important Tips
While the festival runs for 75 days, the absolute best window to experience this festival is between October 18 and October 23.
Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh has its own airport, Maa Danteshwari Airport, with connecting options. You can also fly into Raipur and then take a 6-7 hour road journey to Jagdalpur.
Make sure you ask for permission before photographing any local participants or elders during the rituals.
Dress modestly and respect the traditions.
Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available business information.
Summing Up
Bastar Dussehra is known as an irreplaceable part of India. It beautifully shows the forest spirituality, community unity, and history of India’s villages and festivals.
