Fairs and Festivals of Chhattisgarh - 1 | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Introduction

Chhattisgarh, a state known for its vibrant culture, celebrates numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year. One of the most significant and unique celebrations in the region is the festival of Bastar Dussehra. Let's delve deeper into the essence of this festival and understand its historical and cultural significance.

Fairs and Festivals of Chhattisgarh

Bastar Dussehra

• Like the rest of India, Bastar also celebrates Dassera, but it is the region's most significant festival, with all the tribes participating in the 10-day event. However, Dassera in Bastar is distinct from celebrations elsewhere. 
• Instead of commemorating Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, as is traditional, the tribals celebrate Dassera as a gathering of Devi Maoli, the native deity of Bastar, who is revered as the "elder sister" of Devi Danteshwari, the family goddess of the ruling Kakatiya dynasty. 
• Hundreds of priests bring flower-adorned local deities to the Danteshwari temple in Jagdalpur, arriving with great pomp and ceremony. It is believed that Bastar Dassera was initiated in the 15th century by Maharaj Purushottam Deo, the fourth ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty, making it a festival with a 500-year history. 
• For 10 days, the king, acting as the high priest of Devi Danteshwari, would temporarily abdicate his duties to devote himself entirely to worshipping Danteshwari. Through a siraha (a medium "possessed" by the deity), the king would privately receive a report on the state. 
• Although the ruling family was Hindu and the festival has its roots in Hinduism, it has incorporated many tribal elements, exemplifying the unique blend of traditional Hinduism and tribal customs that characterize the local culture.

Bastar Dassera is unique

• Bastar, located in Dandakarnya, is believed to be the region where Lord Rama spent his 14 years of exile. However, the Bastar Dassera has no connection to Lord Rama or the Ramayana.
• Bastar Dassera Overview:
  • Bastar Dassera begins on the amavasya (dark moon) in the month of Shravan and spans 75 days, concluding on the thirteenth day of the bright moon in Ashwin, making it the longest Dassera celebration in the world.
  • The festival involves the participation of various tribes and castes, each with specific responsibilities that they have continued to uphold even five decades after the abolition of monarchies in India. For instance, carpenters from Beda Umargaon village construct the two-tiered chariot, while the tribals from Karanji, Kesarpal, and Sonabal villages twine the special ropes. The youth from Kachorapati and Agarwara parganas pull the smaller chariot, while the bison-horn Marias from Killepal pull the larger one. The munda s from Potanar village have the exclusive right to sing hymns at all rituals.
• Rituals and Participation:
  • The festival features intense rituals, such as a girl swinging on a bed of thorns, a youth (jogi) sitting vigil, buried shoulder-deep, for nine days, and mediums, believed to be possessed by local deities, performing eerie dances on the roads.
  • Bastar Dassera also serves as a platform for elected representatives, administrators, and traditional tribal chieftains to discuss the state of Bastar during the Muria Durbar.
• Rath Yatra:
  • A highly anticipated event during the festival is the rath yatra. The massive chariot, though it may appear primitive to outsiders, symbolizes the king's commitment to supporting local craftsmanship rather than importing a fancy chariot from elsewhere. Tribal taboos against using sophisticated tools to build the chariot also play a role. The chariot is freshly hewn each year, and the sight of 400 Marias pulling it leaves a powerful impression of tribal faith and tradition.

Bastar Lokotsav

• Bastar Lokotsav is a vibrant festival in Chhattisgarh that showcases the rich folk culture of the state. Held after the rainy season, the festival draws numerous tribal groups from remote villages across Chhattisgarh who come to participate in this lively event. Handicrafts are prominently exhibited at the Bastar Lokotsav, reflecting the state's cultural heritage. The festival begins with an enticing array of cultural events, truly embodying the spirit of the local people.
• In the Jagdalpur area of Chhattisgarh, a special program called Basta Parab is organized, where various dance and song performances by tribal communities are featured. Bastar Lokotsav serves as a platform for recognizing and celebrating tribal traditions and culture. During the festival, people from neighboring districts of the state come to experience its unique charm, and tribes from other states in India also participate with great enthusiasm. The tribal groups of Bastar sell their rare and exquisite handicrafts, attracting not only local visitors but also tourists from other countries. This international interest highlights the immense popularity of the Lokotsav, which has transcended regional boundaries.
• As a colorful and historically significant cultural event, Bastar Lokotsav enhances the tourism appeal of Chhattisgarh. It is frequently mentioned in promotional campaigns and on sightseeing portals of the state. The government of Chhattisgarh actively supports such tribal festivals, recognizing that Bastar Lokotsav adds a vibrant dimension to the state's festival calendar.

Madai Festival

• The Madai Festival is celebrated from December to March, traveling from one location to another within the state of Chhattisgarh. This festival is observed by the Charama and Kurna communities of Kanker district, the tribes of Bastar, and the people of Bhanupratappur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Pakhanjore, and Antagrah.
• During the Madai Festival, the local tribes, along with other communities, worship the presiding deity. The festival begins with a procession led by the tribal people of Chhattisgarh on an open field, attracting a large gathering of devotees and tourists who come to witness the rituals. After the procession, the priest or similar religious figure conducts the worship of the goddess. During the puja ceremony, the onlookers maintain silence and offer prayers at the feet of the deity. Once the worship concludes, the festival continues with cultural events such as folk dances, dramas, songs, and more, held in the open space. Given the large number of villagers who come to participate in the festivities, the Madai Festival is always organized on a vast stretch of land. The Bastar region marks the beginning of the Madai Festival.
• From Bastar, the festival moves to the Kanker district, then to Narayanpur, Antagarh, and Bhanupratappur. In March, the festival reaches Keshkal, Bhopalpattnam, and Kondagaon, where it comes to its final end. As the Madai Festival travels from one location to another, it allows each tribe and community in Chhattisgarh to partake in the unique joys of the celebration. Rooted in the ancient customs and traditions of the state, the Madai Festival has become a popular religious event in Chhattisgarh and is recognized throughout India.
• The Madai Festival is a significant cultural celebration observed in the state of Chhattisgarh from December to March, traversing various locations within the state. This festival is embraced by communities like Charama, Kurna, tribes of Bastar, and people from regions such as Bhanupratappur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Pakhanjore, and Antagrah.

Bhoramdeo Mahotsav

• The captivating state of Chhattisgarh celebrates all its festivals with great enthusiasm, and the Bhoramdeo Mahotsav Festival is no exception. This festival draws a large number of visitors not only from across India but also from various parts of the world.
• The Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is one of the most significant festivals in Chhattisgarh, showcasing the religious rituals of the region. On the day of the festival, people dress in colorful attire and gather at the temple. This is an eagerly awaited event throughout the year, offering a deep insight into the socio-cultural aspects of Chhattisgarh.
• The Bhoramdeo temples, often referred to as the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh," are the centerpiece of this festival. The temples are located about 135 km from Raipur and were constructed by the renowned king Ramachandra of the Nag dynasty, who married Princess Ambika Devi of the Haiya dynasty. The temple is a testament to remarkable architectural skill and holds great significance for historians and archaeologists.
• During the Bhoramdeo Mahotsav, the temple complex comes alive with vibrant activity. The sight of people dressed in colorful clothes, participating in various festivities, while marveling at the architectural splendor of the temple, is truly breathtaking. The festival offers an opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Chhattisgarh.
• The Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is celebrated annually in the last week of March. Planning your visit to Chhattisgarh during this time will allow you to experience the festival in all its grandeur. The festival is sure to leave you mesmerized by the cultural and architectural beauty of the Bhoramdeo temples.

Goncha Festival

• The newly formed state of Chhattisgarh has a significant tribal population, each with its own distinct cultural identity. This unique culture is most vividly expressed through the various festivals celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
• One such tribal festival in Chhattisgarh is the Goncha Festival, characterized by joy and merrymaking. It serves as a wonderful display of the inimitable tribal culture. If you visit the Bastar district during this time, you’ll have the rare opportunity to experience a festival that is truly one of a kind.
• The Goncha Festival, also known as the Chariot Festival, is celebrated around the same time as the Hindu Rath Yatra. The festival is marked by vigorous and enthusiastic celebrations, with the tribals from various parts of Bastar participating with incredible zeal and hearty spirit.
• Several customs are associated with this festival. Goncha is actually the name of a fruit, and during the festival, the tribal people make mock pistols using tukki or bamboo. These pistols are part of a traditional practice, where the fruit Goncha is used as a mock bullet. The tribals engage in playful encounters, shooting at each other with these mock weapons—not to cause harm, but to partake in the excitement and thrill of the activity. This tradition brings immense joy to the participants, and the fervor and enthusiasm of the people during the festival are truly remarkable.
• The Goncha Festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar during the Rath Yatra, typically falling in July according to the Gregorian calendar. Visitors to Chhattisgarh during this time can immerse themselves in the unique festivities.
• The Goncha Festival is not just a celebration but also a reflection of the rich tribal heritage of Chhattisgarh. The active participation of the tribals, their zest, and their vibrant spirit make the festival a beautiful and lively event. The mock weapons and the use of the Goncha fruit as bullets highlight the deep-rooted traditions of the tribe, making this festival a significant cultural event in the region.

Champaran Mela

• Festivals are a vital part of the culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh. The state, which gained recognition as an independent entity in India in November 2000, was previously a part of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh's population is predominantly composed of tribal people, who celebrate various festivals and fairs with great enthusiasm and grandeur. The Champaran Mela is one such fair celebrated annually in Chhattisgarh. The festivals of Chhattisgarh reflect the ethnic and rustic culture of the local people, particularly the tribal communities. The tribals of Chhattisgarh are known for their simplicity and love of fun, and they celebrate their traditional rituals to appease their local gods and goddesses.
• The Champaran Mela is one of the festivals celebrated in Raipur, the state capital of Chhattisgarh, which is located nearly in the center of the state. Established in the 14th century, Raipur is an industrially developed city that has retained its traditional culture and heritage. The Champaran Mela, named after the place where it is held, takes place in Champaran, situated 56 km from Raipur. The fair is held annually during the month of Magh, which spans from January to February. This cultural fair is very popular and draws a large number of attendees from across the state, particularly followers of the Vaishnav religion.

Hareli Festival

• In Chhattisgarh, the Hareli festival is one of the most renowned celebrations, observed with much enthusiasm and grandeur. The term ‘Hareli’ comes from the Hindi word ‘Haryali,’ which means greenery. Typically celebrated in the month of Shravan by various farming communities, the Hareli festival aligns with July and August in the Gregorian calendar. The festival takes place on Sravana Amavasya, the new moon day of the month, marking the start of the holy month of Shravan for Hindus. Hareli is a harvest festival that focuses on the monsoon season, with the Goddess ‘Kutki Dai’ being worshipped for a bountiful crop.
• The Hareli festival holds special significance among the Gond tribes. During this time, farmers in Chhattisgarh worship their farming tools and cows, praying for a good harvest. The festival is nature-centric, and while the rituals are simple, the prayers are sincere and heartfelt.
• As part of the celebrations, people in Chhattisgarh place branches of the Bhelwa tree in their fields and hang Neem branches at the entrances of their homes. Neem, known for its medicinal properties, helps prevent diseases and insects. The Baiga tribe, traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, also use this time to teach and evaluate their students. Another key feature of the Hareli festival is the game of ‘Gedi,’ where children mount bamboo sticks and walk around the fields, with some even participating in "gedi" races.