Bastar: Dushera - the festival which celebrates good's triumph over evil - is observed with great enthusiasm by Hindus in the month of Ashwin. Commonly it is a one-day festival where effigies of Ravan and his two brothers are burnt. But, a district in Chattisgarh is known for celebrating the festival for 75 days.
Bastar Dushera is observed for a prolonged duration with different rituals performed over the days. It starts with the construction of a chariot.
Wooden logs which are used to build the structure is worshipped and then sent for the construction. An idol of Goddess Danteshwari is placed in the chariot which is dragged by around 400 Adivasis around the city.
In the next ritual, a minor girl is placed on a bed of thorns. It is believed that this ritual marks the beginning of the celebration.
A ritual of 'Jogi Bithayi' is performed by a youth who observes a strict fast for nine days. He meditates at a quiet place in Sirhasarbhavan.
People here believe that Bastar was once Ravan's kingdom. That is the reason why, unlike the whole country, no effigies are burnt here.
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