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Major Festivals of Chhattisgarh State with Images and Dates

Chhattisgarh, a state honoured for its myriad and dynamic artistic origin, is home to a collection of festivals profoundly embedded in its customs and social life. The festivals in Chhattisgarh recall the province's distinctive mix of tribal and non-tribal civilisations, providing a wealthy tapestry of traditions, music, dance, and collaborative harmony. These festivals not only emphasise the spiritual and farming traditions of the people but also act as a means to maintain and glorify their prosperous artistic originality. One of the most important festivals in the state is Bastar Dussehra, a Chhattisgarh festival that is unlike any other Dussehra in India. Surviving for an incredible 75 days, this festival is soaked in tribal ceremonies and practices. It interests detailed rituals, parades, and the participation of diverse tribal societies, creating a remarkable and elegant event. The festival is a godly obedience and a cultural celebration that lures people from across the territory to glimpse its majesty.

Another significant festival is Hareli, the harvest festival of Chhattisgarh. This festival honours the start of the agricultural cycle and is praised with incredible zeal by the rural communities. During Hareli, farmers worship their agricultural tools, cattle, and the earth, praying for a profitable yield season. The festival is a stunning combination of faith and festivity, with classic games, local cuisine, and folk concerts counting to the festive spirit. The Madai Mela is another famous festival of Chhattisgarh that emphasises the tribal civilisation of the state. It is a travelling festival marked in distinct villages at distinct times of the year. The festival is observed by enthusiastic parades, time-honoured dance performances, and a marketplace where local crafters show and sell their crafts. Madai Mela is a precise miniature of Chhattisgarh’s tribal ancestry and collective accord.

Chhath Puja is also a famous Chhattisgarh festival that is widely honoured and filled with tremendous passion. This festival is devoted to the Sun God, with ceremonies conducted at sunrise and sunset. Believers fast, pray, and make offerings, usually at riverbanks, making a quiet and spiritual environment. The visible phenomenon of thousands of believers offering prayers as the sun rises is a view to behold, echoing the in-depth spiritual association of the people.

Destination Info
City Informations
  • Currency INR
  • Phone Code +91
  • Time Zone +5:30
  • Capital City Raipur
  • Best Time to Visit October to March
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Airline Serving Air India, indigo Airlines, Flyjet Airways
  • Attractions Raipur, Raigarh, Bhilai, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Korba, Ambikapur, Dhamtari

List of 15 Important Festivals in Chhattisgarh

1
Bastar Dussehra
2
Madai Festival

The Madai Festival is a significant tribal celebration held across various districts of Chhattisgarh, such as Kanker and Bastar. This vibrant festival is unique in its mobility, travelling from village to village and uniting communities in worship and celebration. Starting in December and continuing through March, the festival's dates vary by region, allowing different areas to partake in the festivities at other times. The event is characterised by colourful processions, traditional dances, music, and rituals dedicated to local deities. Madai is not just a religious occasion but also a cultural showcase that highlights the rich heritage of Chhattisgarh's tribal population. As one of the famous festivals of Chhattisgarh, it offers a deep insight into the traditions and customs that have been preserved over generations. This festival is a vibrant testament to the state’s cultural diversity and the enduring spirit of its people.

3
Bastar Lokotsav

Bastar Lokotsav is a vibrant festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated with great enthusiasm in January in Jagdalpur, Bastar. This cultural extravaganza beautifully showcases the unique traditions, dances, music, and crafts of the tribal communities that inhabit the region. The festival features mesmerising folk performances, exquisite handicraft exhibitions, and a variety of local cuisine, offering a rich and immersive experience of Bastar’s heritage. It serves as a crucial platform for the tribes to display their artistic talents, share their deep-rooted customs, and preserve their way of life in a rapidly changing world. Beyond being a significant cultural festival, Bastar Lokotsav plays an essential role in fostering unity among the diverse tribes of Bastar and in promoting their culture to a broader audience. The festival attracts both locals and tourists alike, who are eager to delve into and celebrate the authentic and colourful tribal culture of Chhattisgarh, making it a must-visit event in the region.

4
Rajim Kumbh Mela

Rajim Kumbh Mela, held between February and March, is a prominent religious gathering in Rajim, Chhattisgarh, and one of the most revered festivals in the state. Celebrated from Magh Purnima to Mahashivratri, this Chhattisgarh festival attracts thousands of devotees to the sacred confluence of the Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur rivers. Pilgrims take holy dips in the river, which are believed to purify the soul and offer prayers at the revered Rajiv Lochan Temple. This festival is not just a spiritual event but also a cultural extravaganza featuring spiritual discourses by renowned saints, cultural programs showcasing local art and traditions, and a massive fair that adds to the vibrant atmosphere. As one of the most significant Kumbh Melas in central India, Rajim Kumbh Mela holds a special place in the hearts of the people, making it a highlight in the religious calendar of Chhattisgarh.

5
Chakradhar Samaroh

Chakradhar Samaroh is a prestigious classical music and dance festival held every September in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, coinciding with the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Named in honour of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh of Raigarh, a revered patron of the arts, this famous festival of Chhattisgarh draws renowned artists from all over India. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was not only a ruler but also a gifted musician and dancer whose legacy continues to inspire generations of artists. The event serves as a tribute to his significant contributions to Indian classical music and dance, with performances by eminent musicians and dancers that captivate audiences. Over the years, the festival has grown into a significant cultural event, highlighting Chhattisgarh’s deep-rooted connection to classical art forms and preserving the region’s rich artistic heritage. The Chakradhar Samaroh is not just a festival; it is a celebration of the timeless traditions that continue to thrive in the state.

6
Teeja Festival

Teeja Festival, celebrated in the Shravan month (August - September), holds immense significance in Chhattisgarh, especially for women. This festival of Chhattisgarh is dedicated to the well-being of husbands and the desire for a suitable match among unmarried girls. Married women observe fasts and pray for the longevity and prosperity of their husbands, while unmarried girls participate in the rituals, praying for a suitable life partner. The festival is marked by various customs, such as dressing in new clothes, applying intricate henna designs, and participating in vibrant community gatherings. Teeja reflects the deep-rooted cultural traditions of Chhattisgarh, emphasising the importance of marital relationships in the local society. The celebration is vivacious in rural areas, where women come together with great enthusiasm to sing traditional songs, dance, and share festive meals. The festival serves as a symbol of unity, cultural heritage, and the enduring bonds of marriage.

7
Hareli Festival

Hareli Festival observed on Shravana Amavasya (July - August), is a significant harvest festival in Chhattisgarh that is of immense cultural and agricultural importance. Celebrated primarily by the farming communities, this festival marks the onset of the sowing season. During Hareli, farmers offer prayers and worship agricultural tools, cows, and other farm animals, seeking divine blessings for a prosperous and bountiful harvest. The rituals are accompanied by traditional games and activities, with Gedi (stilt walking) being a highlight, especially enjoyed by children. The festival serves as a vibrant reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the people of Chhattisgarh and their agricultural traditions. It underscores the central role that nature and farming play in their daily lives, reflecting the community's respect and reverence for the land that sustains them. Hareli is not just a celebration; it is a tribute to the age-old traditions that continue to shape the identity and way of life in Chhattisgarh.

8
Goncha Festival

The Goncha Festival is a unique tribal celebration that takes place in July in Jagdalpur, Bastar, coinciding with the grand Rath Yatra. This Chhattisgarh festival is marked by a symbolic mock battle, where participants use Goncha, a fruit resembling a berry, as ammunition. The event symbolises courage and the rich traditions of the region's tribal communities. Participants craft bows and arrows from bamboo and engage in friendly duels, showcasing their archery skills. The festival is not just a celebration of tribal culture; it also plays a vital role in strengthening community bonds. Through this vibrant and engaging event, the Goncha Festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse traditions and deep-rooted cultural practices of Bastar's tribal communities. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity among the tribes of Chhattisgarh.

9
Champaran Mela

Champaran Mela, celebrated in February and November during Magh Purnima and Kartik Purnima, is a significant religious fair held in Champaran, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. This famous festival of Chhattisgarh honours the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, the revered founder of the Vallabh sect. Devotees from across the region gather to offer prayers, participate in religious rituals, and take holy dips in the nearby pond, which is believed to cleanse them of their sins. The fair is not just a spiritual gathering but also a cultural celebration featuring traditional music, dance performances, and a vibrant marketplace where local artisans showcase their crafts. The event provides a unique opportunity for followers of Vallabhacharya to connect with their spiritual roots and for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. Champaran Mela is a critical religious gathering in Chhattisgarh, drawing people from far and wide to participate in its spiritual and cultural offerings.

10
Pola Festival

Pola Festival, observed on Pithori Amavasya in August, is a vibrant festival in Chhattisgarh honouring bullocks, which play a vital role in agriculture. Farmers across rural areas decorate their bullocks with vibrant ornaments, showcasing their appreciation for these hardworking animals. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, including the worship of bullocks, as well as lively processions and races that bring the community together. Throughout Pola, villagers participate in grand feasts, sharing traditional foods and enjoying various festivities. This celebration not only highlights the deep connection between the community and their livestock but also underscores these animals' importance in Chhattisgarh's agricultural landscape. Pola is a day of joy and cultural pride, offering a glimpse into the rich farming traditions that sustain rural life in the state.

11
Karma Festival

The Karma Festival, held on the eleventh day of the Bhadrapada month (August - September), is a pivotal celebration among the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh. This vibrant festival honours Karma Dev, the deity representing fertility and prosperity. Central to the festival is the ritual planting of a sacred branch known as the Karma tree, symbolising growth and well-being. Festivities include traditional dances, music, and communal prayers, which bring together the tribal people to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The Karma Festival is not just a religious observance but also a communal event where the community unites to express gratitude for the past harvest and seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season. As one of the most significant and widely observed festivals in Chhattisgarh tribal regions, it reinforces cultural bonds and highlights the deep-rooted traditions of the local communities.

12
Navakhana Festival

Navakhana Festival is a vibrant harvest festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated with great enthusiasm by tribal communities each September. The term "Navakhana" translates to "new food," symbolising the ceremonial first consumption of the freshly harvested crop. This important tradition involves offering the new grain to deities and expressing gratitude for the harvest before the community enjoys it. The festival is marked by a variety of traditional activities, including elaborate rituals, communal feasts, and cultural performances that showcase the region's rich heritage. Tribes gather to participate in these festivities, which highlight the significance of agriculture in their daily lives. The Navakhana Festival not only celebrates the end of the harvest season but also signifies the beginning of a new period of prosperity and abundance. It is a time for communities to come together and honour their deep connection to the land and its bounty.

13
Sheorinarayan Fair

The Sheorinarayan Fair, celebrated annually in February during Magh Purnima, is a significant religious event in Sheorinarayan, Chhattisgarh. This famous Chhattisgarh festival takes place at the sacred confluence of three rivers: Mahanadi, Sheonath, and Jonk. It is deeply connected to the legend of Lord Ram and holds significant spiritual value for devotees. Pilgrims from across Chhattisgarh and beyond come to take holy dips in the river confluence, which is believed to purify the soul. The event is centred around the Nar Narayan Temple, where participants offer prayers and perform rituals. The fair is not just a religious gathering but also a cultural celebration. Attendees enjoy vibrant cultural performances, traditional music, and a lively marketplace filled with local crafts and food. The Sheorinarayan Fair stands as an energetic and colourful manifestation of devotion and cultural heritage in Chhattisgarh.

14
Kajari Teej

Kajari Festival, held in August during Kajari Teej, is a vibrant and traditional celebration in Chhattisgarh, predominantly observed by women. This festival marks the arrival of the monsoon season. It is characterised by the singing of Kajari songs—folk melodies that convey emotions of love, longing, and the enchantment of the rainy season. These songs, deeply rooted in the local culture, celebrate the rejuvenating effects of the rains on the land and people. During the Kajari Festival, women observe a fast and engage in prayers for the health and prosperity of their families. It is a time for women to unite, sharing their experiences and joys while honouring the natural beauty of their environment. The festival holds significant cultural value in rural Chhattisgarh, symbolising the community's strong bond with nature and its rhythms.

15
Ma Mavli Mela

Ma Mavli Mela is a vibrant festival celebrated in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, during the Makar Sankranti period, which spans December to January. This festival is dedicated to Ma Mavli, a revered local deity, and is marked by a series of traditional rituals, music, and dance performances. The fair transforms Bastar into a lively hub of cultural activity, featuring an extensive marketplace where local artisans display and sell their exquisite handicrafts. This festival in Chhattisgarh is not only a significant cultural event but also serves as an important economic opportunity for the region. It brings together tribal communities, who gather to celebrate their rich heritage and seek blessings for the year ahead. Ma Mavli Mela stands out as a colourful and dynamic celebration that vividly showcases the unique traditions and cultural richness of Bastar.

FAQs About Chhattisgarh Festivals

  1. Q1.
    What are some of the major festivals celebrated in Chhattisgarh?

    Chhattisgarh hosts several vibrant festivals, including Bastar Dussehra, Madai Festival, Bastar Lokotsav, Rajim Kumbh Mela, and the Chakradhar Samaroh. Each of these festivals reflects the rich cultural and tribal heritage of the state, with unique rituals and celebrations. Bastar Dussehra, for example, is famous for its 75-day-long festivities, while the Madai Festival showcases tribal customs and community spirit.

  2. Q2.
    When is Bastar Dussehra celebrated, and where does it take place?

    Bastar Dussehra is celebrated from September to October, and it varies according to the Hindu calendar. It takes place in Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh. This festival is renowned for its extensive duration of 75 days, featuring elaborate rituals and grand processions honouring the local deity Danteshwari Devi.

  3. Q3.
    What is the significance of the Rajim Kumbh Mela in Chhattisgarh?

    The Rajim Kumbh Mela, celebrated between February and March, is a significant religious event held in Rajim, Chhattisgarh. It marks the convergence of the Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur rivers and draws thousands of devotees for holy dips and prayers. This Kumbh Mela is one of the most important religious gatherings in central India, featuring spiritual discourses, cultural programs, and a large fair.

  4. Q4.
    What activities are associated with the Hareli Festival?

    The Hareli Festival, which is celebrated on Shravana Amavasya (July - August), is an important harvest festival in Chhattisgarh. It involves worshipping agricultural tools, cows, and other farm animals to ensure a good harvest. Activities include traditional games like Gedi (stilt walking) and various rituals. The festival marks the beginning of the sowing season and reflects the deep connection between Chhattisgarh’s people and their agricultural practices.

  5. Q5.
    How is the Madai Festival different from other festivals in Chhattisgarh?

    The Madai Festival, celebrated from December to March, is distinct due to its mobile nature. It travels from village to village, bringing communities together in a series of celebrations across various districts such as Kanker and Bastar. Unlike other festivals that may be stationary, the Madai Festival involves colourful processions, traditional dances, music, and rituals that honour local deities and showcase tribal culture.

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