Religious & Spiritual Tourism

Festivals & Cultural Heritage of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is a land of vibrant festivals, rich tribal traditions, and grand religious celebrations. With over 30 recognized tribal communities, the state has a unique blend of folk, spiritual, and cultural festivals that showcase its ancient customs and traditions.

Here are the major festivals of Chhattisgarh that you must experience:

1. Bastar Dussehra – India’s Longest Dussehra (75 Days)

✅ Why Visit?

• Unlike traditional Dussehra, which celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Bastar Dussehra honors Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar.
• Unique tribal rituals, chariot processions, and animal sacrifices make it one of India’s most distinctive festivals.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Witness the grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Procession) of the Goddess.
• Experience unique tribal rituals, including animal sacrifice and tribal oath ceremonies.
• Enjoy Bastar’s vibrant tribal dance, music, and art exhibitions.

 Location: Jagdalpur, Bastar District
 Best Time to Visit: September – October

Highlight: The only Dussehra in India that does not focus on Lord Rama, making it a unique cultural experience.

 2. Rajim Kumbh Mela – The Prayag of Chhattisgarh

✅ Why Visit?

• A major Hindu pilgrimage event, similar to the Kumbh Mela.
• Held at the Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers: Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur).
• Attended by thousands of saints, sadhus, and devotees.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Take a holy dip at the confluence of three rivers.
• Attend spiritual discourses and yoga sessions led by saints.
• Explore ancient temples of Rajim, including Rajivalochana Temple.

Location: Rajim, Gariaband District
 Best Time to Visit: February – March

Highlight: Known as the "Prayag of Chhattisgarh," this festival is a must for spiritual seekers.

 3. Madai Festival – The Grand Tribal Celebration

✅ Why Visit?

• One of Chhattisgarh’s most colorful tribal festivals, celebrated by the Gond, Muria, and Halba tribes.
• A festival dedicated to worshipping village deities, dance, music, and fairs.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Watch traditional tribal dances, including Saila, Karma, and Panthi dance.
• Explore the tribal haath bazaar, where you can buy handmade jewelry, bamboo crafts, and Dokra art.
• Taste local tribal cuisine, including Mahua liquor and Chana Samosa.

 Location: Kanker, Dantewada, Keshkal (Various tribal regions)
Best Time to Visit: November – March

Highlight: A raw, authentic experience of Chhattisgarh’s tribal culture and rituals.

 4. Goncha Festival – Chhattisgarh’s Unique ‘Tribal Holi’

✅ Why Visit?

• A one-of-a-kind festival, where people celebrate with wooden guns and mock battles.
• The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, much like the Rath Yatra of Odisha.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Witness tribal warriors engage in friendly ‘mock gun battles’ using wooden guns.
• Enjoy folk dance performances and processions.
• Visit the famous Jagannath Temple in Bastar.

 Location: Jagdalpur, Bastar District
 Best Time to Visit: July

Highlight: One of India’s most unique and thrilling tribal festivals!

 5. Chhath Puja – The Sun God Festival

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the most important festivals in North and Central India, dedicated to Surya (Sun God).
• Devotees perform ritual bathing and fasting along riverbanks.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Join thousands of devotees at sunrise and sunset prayers along the Mahanadi River.
• Experience the deep spiritual connection of worshippers with nature.

 Location: Raipur, Bilaspur, Rajim
 Best Time to Visit: October – November

Highlight: A sacred festival deeply rooted in Hindu traditions, best experienced at Rajim’s river ghats.

 6. Chakradhar Samaroh – A Festival of Classical Music & Dance

✅ Why Visit?

• A grand festival honoring Raja Chakradhar Singh, a patron of Hindustani classical music.
• Features renowned musicians and dancers from all over India.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Enjoy live performances of Indian classical dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Odissi.
• Listen to mesmerizing Hindustani classical music concerts.

 Location: Raigarh
 Best Time to Visit: September

Highlight: A must-visit for music and dance lovers!

 7. Karma Festival – The Tribal Festival of Harvest & Nature Worship

✅ Why Visit?

• Celebrated by Oraon and Gond tribes, dedicated to Karma Devta, the God of Fate.
• A festival of dance, music, and gratitude towards nature.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Watch the Karma dance, performed in circles around sacred trees.
• Enjoy tribal feasts and traditional drumming sessions.

 Location: Jashpur, Bastar, Surguja
 Best Time to Visit: August – September

Highlight: A unique tribal festival that connects people with nature and their ancestors.

 8. Hareli Festival – The Rural Green Festival

✅ Why Visit?

• A harvest festival, celebrated by farmers and cattle rearers.
• Symbolizes gratitude towards nature and agricultural prosperity.

✅ Best Experiences:

• Watch traditional agricultural rituals and bullock cart races.
• See villages decorated with green leaves and local crafts.

 Location: Raipur, Bilaspur, Mahasamund
 Best Time to Visit: July – August

Highlight: A unique festival blending agriculture, rural traditions, and folk entertainment.