Festivals of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is one of the most fascinating and colorful states of India. Known for its exceptional scenic beauty and the unique tribal populations, Chhattisgarh has a number of vivid and colorful festivals, held all round the year. The famous and widely celebrated festivals of Chhattisgarh include the Dusshera, Deepavali, Holi, Govardhan Pooja, Pola, Nawakhai and many others are celebrated with great vividness and festivity.

Dusshera is the most famous festivals of Chhattisgarh and is celebrated with great fanfare in Bastar region. During this occasion, all the deities from all the tribal villages congregate at the Temple of goddess Danteshwari in Jagdalpur, the district headquarter of Bastar. Dusshera in Bastar is quite different from the Dusshera of North India and has nothing to do with the triumphant return of lord Rama in Ayodhya. Bastar Dusshera is devoted entirely to goddess Danteshwari and celebrated with great gaiety by all major tribes of Bastar. Madai Festival is another famous festival of Bastar region held in the different villages extending from Mandla to Bastar. It's quite popular among Gond tribes of Bastar and thousands of devotees gather under the shade of a sacred tree to sacrifice a goat to the mother goddess and the whole night is spent in dancing, eating and making merry. Bhagoriya Festival is a popular festival among Bhil tribes of the region and Bhagoradev or the god of dance is worshipped on this occasion. During this festival young girls and boys dance with each other and express their love to opposite sex. Kajari Festival is another important festival of Chhattisgarh region, which falls on the same day as Raksha Bandhan that is on the Shravan Purnima. In addition there are many festivals in Chhattisgarh, which are related to agriculture. Hariyali, Kora, Navakhani and Cherta Festivals are the most important agricultural festivals of Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh also organizes many colorful fairs in different towns and cities of the state, all round the year. Rajim Lochan Mahotsav held every year from 16th February till 1st March is celebrated with great fanfare. Bhoramdeo Mahotsav (last week of March), Chakradhar Festival (September or October), Goncha Festival (July), Narayanpur Mela (last week of February) and Sheorinarayan Fair (February) are other widely celebrated and most enjoyed fairs and festivals of Chhattisgarh.