FESTIVALS

Bastar Dussehra

A festival which is 75 days long itself is a fascinating idea. Bastar Dussehra is also referred at times as the longest festival in the world. This unique festival is believed to have started in 13th Century during the reign of 4th King of Bastar, King Purshottam Dev. This Dussehra festivities pays homage to the local deity Goddess Danteshwari Devi, unlike hailing the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. Some tribal communities also worship their own gods and goddesses, inspired by nature in its countless forms. Preparations for Bastar Dussehra begin with the dark fortnight or the waning moon (Krishna Paksh) in the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar, which falls somewhere around the end of July; celebrations continue up to the 13th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksh) of the month of Ashwin (Between August to October).

madai festival

A festival which is 75 days long itself is a fascinating idea. Bastar Dussehra is also referred at times as the longest festival in the world. This unique festival is believed to have started in 13th Century during the reign of 4th King of Bastar, King Purshottam Dev. This Dussehra festivities pays homage to the local deity Goddess Danteshwari Devi, unlike hailing the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana. Some tribal communities also worship their own gods and goddesses, inspired by nature in its countless forms. Preparations for Bastar Dussehra begin with the dark fortnight or the waning moon (Krishna Paksh) in the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar, which falls somewhere around the end of July; celebrations continue up to the 13th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksh) of the month of Ashwin (Between August to October).