Jagdalpur(Chhattisgarh): Chhattisgarh has a fairly large tribal population and their unique culture is best manifested in the festivals that they celebrate with a great deal of pomp and grandeur.
Every year in Chhattishgarh's Bastar, the festival of Goncha is celebrated and this festival is being celebrated here since 611 years.
The Goncha festival is also popularly known as the chariot festival probably because it is celebrated at a time when the Hindus celebrate Rath Yatra. The vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment that marks the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh is remarkable. The zest and hearty spirit of the tribals from different parts of Bastar who participate in this festival is incredible.
On June 23, the week-long festival will begin with the Netrotsav ritual. Although keeping in mind the corona pandemic, the district administration has issued strict orders to the Goncha Parv Samiti to comply with rules framed for them. Collector has given permission for the Rath Parikrama conditions attached to the same.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Hemant Pandey, Goncha Parv Samiti said, "The Goncha Parv is celebrated in Bastar has begun. On June 23, with the celebration of the Netrotsav ritual, the Lords will return from the sanctum Sanctorum and devotees will be able to see the gods. The Sirhasar Bhawan of the city has been made Janakpuri where 22 deities of God will be enthroned from 23 June to 1 July and during this time devotees will be able to see God by following the rules given by the administration."
"This time due to coronavirus, all cultural events and all the rituals performed during the Goncha festival have been postponed, but the administration has allowed the Rath Yatra and installed 22 Deities of God in the new chariots. The district administration has also permitted for the Rath Parikrama," he said.
Informing about the festival, head of the Aaranyak Brahman society, Vivek Pandey said, "Around 611 years ago the first king Purushottam Dev had brought with him Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balbhadra. After this, he was given the title of Rashtrapati by the king of Puri after which Gauncha has been celebrated with pomp and grandeur. The Rath Yatra is being celebrated since the time and the royal family has a very important and active role in this festival."
"One must see the grandeur of the Rathayatra of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. You will be overwhelmed to witness the devotion of people towards Lord Jagannath and the royal family of Bastar," he added.
The fervour and gusto of the people of Chhattisgarh at the time of celebrating this festival is admirable. The celebration of Festivals like these brings to the forefront of the ethnicity of this part of the country.
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