Reincarnating Raipur
The Dussehra festival in Bastar is a complex and culturally rich celebration that venerates Goddess Danteshwari as the principal deity in the region. Established by the Kakatiya rulers in the fifteenth century, this event carries layers of political and cultural significance. On one level, it serves as a ritual of kingship, symbolizing the presence of the state in the lives of the people of Bastar.
The festival unfolds over several weeks, encompassing remarkable social practices that engage and unite every community in the state. Various customs are observed during this period, including the meticulous crafting of wooden chariots, the gathering of deities from nearly every village, and a grand procession escorting Goddess Danteshwari from Dantewada to Jagdalpur. Upon arrival, she is welcomed by local deities and the people of Bastar.
This unique festival not only commemorates the goddess Danteshwari but also stands apart by focusing on her role in Bastar rather than the conventional narrative of Rama’s victory over Ravana. The Dussehra celebrations in Bastar encapsulate diverse elements, reflecting the cultural, social, and religious intricacies that make this event a truly distinctive and integral part of the region’s heritage.
