The festivals of Chhattisgarh consist of many tribal and non-tribal festivals. This article lists some of the major festivals of the state celebrated annually:
Festivals of Chhattisgarh:
Bastar Dussera:
Bastar dussera is festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh that focuses on the worship of Lord Rama. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the prosperity of the community.
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Bastar Lokotsav:
Bastar lokotsav is festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh that involves the biggest celebration of the tribals of the state, especially, the tribes of Bastar. The festival promotes biodiversity, brotherhood and involves multi layered celebrations. Feasts, folk dances, plays and other forms of performing arts take place as a part of this lokotsav festival in Bastar.
Madai Festival:
Madai Festival is festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh that mainly involves the Charama and Kurna communities of Kanker district, the tribes of Bastar and the community of Bhanupratappur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Antagrah and other areas. The festival is celebrated from the month of December to the month of March. This is a unique travelling festival that tours from one part of the state to another. The local tribes of the state pray to the presiding deity of the festival. The Madai Festival begins with the tribal people of Chhattisgarh organising a procession from an open field onto other areas.
This is where a large number of devotees and tourists gather to pray, fast and witness the rituals. After the procession end, the priest conducts the puja of the goddess. Feasts, folk dances, plays and other forms of performing arts take place as a part of this festival. The Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is where the Madai Festival starts off from. From Bastar the festival moves on westwards to the Kanker district of the state, and from there to Narayanpur, antagarh and finally to Bhanupratappur.
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Goncha Festival:
The Goncha Festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh that is celebrated mainly in the Jagadalpur of Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. The goncha is a special fruit or berry that is found in this state. It is used as pellets or mock bullets by the tribal states. This tribal festival is celebrated in July. The members of the tribes celebrate it by making fake pistols out of bamboo and using the goncha as fake bullets. The men then shoot each other in mock fights.
Teeja Festival:
The Teeja festival celebrated in Chhattisgarh celebrates the tcultural diversity of the state. This is a Rajashthani festival that celebrates the state. It is celebrated by both the tribal as well as the non tribal community. This festival primarily involves the women of the society while the men folk are mostly excluded. There are colorful and gay processions of women in vibrant traditional costume. Bazaars are set up and fairs are held in parts of the state.
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Champaran Mela:
Champaran Mela is celebrated in Chhattisgarh in the state of Raipur, which is the capital of the state. The mela is held every year and takes its name from a place known as Champaran, where it is celebrated annually. Champaran is located at a distance of 56 km from Raipur,the state capital of Chhattisgarh.The fair is held from the month of January till the month of February, or in the season of Magh by the Hindu calendar.
Narayanpur Mela:
Narayanpur Mela is celebrated in Chhattisgarh in the regions of Bastar. It reflects the tribal community of the state. The tribals worship their gods and make merry. They have dance recitals, fairs, processions, songs and feasts in honour of the festival. It promotes brotherhood and harmony and unity within the tribes. It is celebrated annually and is held in the last week of February.
From Dussera and Bastar lokotsav to Hareli fair and Goncha fair, the state of Chhattisgarh is active with a wide range of festivals. These help to strengthen the unity of the state.
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