Bastar Dussehra 2026: Inside the World’s Longest Festival, Peaking on 20 October

A 75-Day Festival

Bastar Dussehra in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, is described as the world’s longest festival, running for 75 days. It began on 12 August, on Hareli Amavasya, with the Pat Jatra puja before the Maa Danteshwari Temple, and peaks on 20 October 2026.

Not About Ravana

Unlike Dussehra elsewhere, Bastar’s festival is dedicated to the tribal goddess Danteshwari and is anchored by a roughly 600-year-old royal lineage.

Rituals to Know

Pat Jatra marks the worship of a sacred sal-wood log later used for the festival’s giant wooden chariot, which is built by different tribes without nails. Other rituals include Kachan Gadi, where permission to begin the main celebrations is sought, and Jogi Bithai, a nine-day vigil. Around 600 deities from across Bastar are brought to Jagdalpur for the climax.

Visiting

Jagdalpur sees heavy crowds near the peak; book stays early and check local administration notices on arrangements.

Sourced from Organiser, Village Square and Utsav (Ministry of Culture) listings on Bastar Dussehra, 2026.