Bastar Dussehra 2025: The unique 77-day festival will begin from July 24, know the complete dates and special traditions
Bastar Dussehra: A Mesmerizing Tribal Celebration-Get ready to be captivated by the vibrant culture and age-old traditions of Bastar Dussehra, a festival unlike any other! This year, the celebrations will run from July 24th to October 7th, 2025.
The Sacred Beginning: Pat Jatra-The festival kicks off with Pat Jatra, a ritual where a sacred piece of wood, known as ‘Turlu Khotla,’ is brought from the forest and worshipped at the Danteshwari Temple. This wood is used to create tools for constructing the chariots, a tradition dating back to the princely era, believed to have started when Purushottam Dev returned from Jagannath Puri with the title of Rathpati.
Chariot Construction: A Time-Honored Craft-Following Pat Jatra, the construction of the chariots begins. Carpenters use traditional methods to craft these magnificent vehicles from wood sourced from the forest. The entire region buzzes with excitement during this time, as the chariot-making process holds immense religious and historical significance. It’s a spectacle of skill and devotion!
Key Dates: A Calendar of Sacred Events-Mark your calendars! This year’s Bastar Dussehra features a series of important religious events. Key dates include: August 29th (Bel Jatra), September 5th (Deri Gadhai Poona), September 21st ( Kachhan Gadi Puja), September 22nd (Kalash Sthapana), September 24th (Navratri Puja), September 29th (Phool Rath Parikrama), and finally, October 7th, which marks the closing ceremony with Doli Vidai.
The Allure of Phool Rath Parikrama and Nisha Jatra-Two of the most captivating events are the Phool Rath Parikrama (September 29th) and Nisha Jatra (September 30th). Thousands of devotees participate, witnessing the beautifully decorated flower chariots and the mesmerizing night-long procession of Nisha Jatra. It’s a sight that draws visitors from far and wide.
Celebrating the Divine: Navratri and Rainee Puja-The Navratri Puja commences on September 24th, followed by the significant Bahir Rainee and Bhitri Rainee Pujas on October 2nd and 3rd, respectively. These are dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari and are integral to Bastar’s religious life. Devotees observe fasts, and special prayers are offered at the temples.
Bidding Farewell: Doli Vidai-The grand finale, Doli Vidai on October 7th, is an emotional occasion as the Goddess’s palanquin is bid farewell. Thousands gather to witness this poignant end to a spectacular cultural and historical celebration. It’s a truly unforgettable experience!
