The 600-year-old 'Bastar Dussehra,' known as the world's longest festival, began on 'Hariyali Amavashya' with the Patjatra rituals at the Danteswari temple in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh's Bastar district. The festival is celebrated for around 75 days. During the Patjatra ritual, people worship a log of the saal tree. Balram Majhi, a member of the Bastar Dussehra Samiti, provided this information.

What makes this festival unique is that it's not about the usual story of Ravana's defeat, like in many other places. Instead, it's a joyful celebration to honour and worship Goddess Shakti, who is greatly revered in the region.

The celebrations in Jagdalpur, the district's main city, are a sight to behold. People from different tribes and communities come together in huge numbers to take part in the festivities.

One fascinating tradition during the festival is the worship of a special log. This log will later be used to create a massive chariot. The grand chariot will carry the canopy of Goddess Danteshwari, the deity of Bastar, around the city in a grand procession.

The roots of this festival go back to the royal family of Bastar, who started this tradition over six centuries ago. It's amazing to see how this celebration has endured through the ages!

In the past, due to the pandemic, the festival was not celebrated in its full glory. But last year, people came out in large numbers to celebrate Bastar Dussehra, and this year, it's expected to be even more magnificent with a massive turnout of devoted participants.

Bastar Dussehra is not just an event; it's a reflection of the region's rich cultural heritage and the unity of its people. It's a festival of joy, devotion, and coming together to celebrate the divine power of Goddess Shakti.