Wherever you go in India, celebration is in the air as the nine-day Navratri festival heralds the festive season of the year in the Hindu lunar calendar. And Navratri is observed here in this Maoist-hit region Bastar with grand celebrations and religious fervour.
If you are familiar with the festivals in the cities, and looking to witness something unique this time, head to Bastar-Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.
The celebration here doesn’t end with nine days of Navratri. The unique celebration is spread over 75 days. Bastar celebrates the festive season by worshiping Devi Maoli, a local goddess and her sisters during Navratri.
Thousands of devotees, carrying different deities, throng Danteshwari Temple in Jagdalpur during Navratri. The devotees and priests carry the local deities on chariots in a holy procession between Bastar and Jagdalpur.
Another special feature that marks the celebration here is the chariot used in the holy procession. The chariots are prepared by the local artisan’s using traditional tools and carved to perfection with dedication and festive fervour.
The Navratri festival sets off Dussehra and Durga Puja festivals. The Dussehra festival here is devoted to Ma Danteshwai. Thousands of local people gather here to worship the goddess.
Apart from Bastar, there are many spiritual places to witness the festive joy and celebration in Chhattisgarh. Situated in idyllic locations in the lap of nature and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, the temples in the state are a must-visit, especially during festival time.
Temples of celebration in Chhattisgarh:-
Mahamaya temple in Ratanpur
Bamleshwari temple in Dongargarh
Banjari Mata Temple, Raipur:
Chandrahansini Mata Temple, Chandrapur
Danteshwari Mata Temple, Dantewada
Ganga Maiya Temple, Jhalmala
Chandi Mata Temple, Kurud
Maa Mahisha Sur Mardagni Chaiturgarh
Jai maa Telin Shakti Mandir, Keshkal