On Thursday, October 2, 2025, as most of India burns effigies of Ravana for Dussehra, a unique and ancient tradition unfolds in the heart of Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. Here, there is no Ravan Dahan. Instead, the world's longest festival, a 75-day spectacle, reaches its climax, celebrating not a victory over Ravana, but the supreme power of the local deity, Goddess Danteshwari.
A Festival Without Ravana
According to legend, Bastar was once the city of Ravana. Because of this, the people of the region do not burn his effigy. For them, the festival is not about destroying Ravana. It is about worshipping Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar, and celebrating peace and harmony.
On Vijayadashami, the grand finale of Bastar Dussehra, a ritual called Raini takes place. Instead of Ravana Dahan, the Chhatra (holy umbrella) of Goddess Danteshwari is taken out on a city tour. The Vijay Rath, a massive wooden chariot with eight wheels, carries the sacred symbol. In earlier times, the Maharaja himself rode this chariot. Today, the district administration manages the procession.
The Chariot Is Stolen
The most dramatic part of Raini comes at night. The Vijay Rath is “stolen” by members of the Madiya community. They pull it away to Kumhadakot, a nearby village. This act of stealing the chariot is not seen as disrespect but as part of the tradition.
Long ago, it is believed that villagers once stole the king’s chariot to show their displeasure. They later invited the king to a feast called Nayakhani. The king accepted, and peace was restored. Since then, this has become part of the Dussehra celebrations.
A Living History
The next day, the chariot is brought back in royal style with music, fireworks, and rituals. It is then returned to the Danteshwari temple in Jagdalpur. Locals believe that King Purshottam Dev, after marching to Jagannath Puri, earned the title Rathapathi (lord of the chariot), and the tradition has continued ever since.
A Traveler's Guide to Witnessing Bastar Dussehra
Main Event Date: The grand chariot procession takes place on Vijayadashami, Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Location: The main celebrations are centered in Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Jagdalpur (JGB), with limited connectivity. The major nearby airport is in Raipur (RPR), about 300 km away, from where you can take a taxi or bus.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is in Jagdalpur.
What Else to See: The 75-day festival has many other unique rituals, including the Jogi Bithai (a nine-day penance by a seated yogi) and the Mavli Parghav (welcoming of the goddess). Plan your visit around Vijayadashami to see the main event.
Pro-Tip: This is a deeply traditional tribal festival. Be respectful of local customs, dress modestly, and always ask for permission before photographing people or rituals.
For the people of Bastar, Dussehra is not about Ravana’s defeat. It is about honoring their goddess, celebrating unity, and keeping alive a history that binds the community together. That is why Bastar Dussehra, unlike anywhere else in India, does not end with fire, but with devotion and harmony.
