Amit Shah to celebrate tribal heritage at Bastar Dussehra

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will witness the historic Bastar Dussehra celebrations in Jagdalpur tomorrow, highlighting a region known not just for its natural beauty but also for its rich tribal heritage. Once famous as a Naxal stronghold, Bastar is steadily emerging as a vibrant cultural hub in Chhattisgarh.

Shah will begin his visit with prayers at the revered Maa Danteshwari Temple, the spiritual heart of Bastar, revered by local tribal communities. He will then attend the grand festivities at Lal Bagh, where the centuries-old Bastar Dussehra is celebrated in all its grandeur.

Bastar, located in southern Chhattisgarh, is home to a large tribal population and dense forests. Known for its unique customs, traditional arts, and festivals, the region is a living repository of India’s tribal culture. Its people have preserved age-old traditions, making Bastar a center of cultural pride.

Bastar Dussehra is unlike any other Dussehra in India. Celebrated over 75 days, it does not follow the common practice of burning Ravana’s effigy. Instead, the festival focuses on rituals, devotion, and community celebrations. Dating back more than 600 years to the Kakatiya dynasty, it is deeply rooted in the worship of Goddess Danteshwari, revered as the protector and guide of the local tribes. Every ritual, from the initial Pat Jatra, bringing the first wood from the forest,to the elaborate dances and music, is performed as an offering to the goddess, reflecting the tribal belief in nature, devotion, and social harmony. The festival also reinforces unity among the diverse tribal communities of Bastar, bringing together thousands of people in a celebration of culture, faith, and tradition.

The festival concludes with the Muria Durbar, where the Maharaj Darbar listens to public grievances, blending spirituality with community governance.

Amit Shah’s visit is being seen as a gesture of cultural outreach, acknowledging Bastar’s journey from a troubled past to a thriving center of tradition and community pride.