Deities from around 50 villages previously affected by Naxalism participated in the historic Bastar Dussehra festival in Chhattisgarh for the first time this year, following the reported eradication of Naxalism in the region on March 31, 2026.
The participation included village deities brought from remote areas of Sukma, Bijapur and Narayanpur districts, as well as neighbouring Odisha, marking a significant increase in attendance at the traditional festival.
Speaking to ANI, Patwari Satyanarayan Sethiya said several village deities, including those from Abujhmad and Sukma, had participated in the celebrations for the first time.
“For the first time, many village deities—including those from Abujhmad—have arrived in Bijapur. Deities from the Sukma district have also come to Bijapur for the first time. This is due to the deep faith people have in ‘Mai Ji’ (the Goddess), and the fact that the region has become free from Naxalite influence, making travel much easier,” Sethiya said.
He added that this year’s gathering was the largest he had witnessed during his tenure overseeing the festival proceedings, particularly during the Mauli Pargaon and Bhitar Raini rituals.
Bastar Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha said residents from remote villages in Bijapur, Sukma and the Abujhmad region of Narayanpur had travelled to Jagdalpur with their local deities to participate in the celebrations.
Highlighting the festival’s cultural and historical significance, Sinha said Bastar Dussehra attracts devotees and tourists from across India and abroad.
He said improved accessibility in areas previously affected by Naxalism had enabled residents of nearly 50 villages to participate in the festival for the first time.
“Reports indicate that participants arrived from approximately 50 villages that were previously inaccessible, preventing such participation in the past. The large crowds seen on the roads and at the festival venues clearly demonstrate the immense enthusiasm among the people for Bastar Dussehra following the elimination of Naxalism,” Sinha said.
He added that many residents from interior villages traditionally bring their local deities to Jagdalpur and stay throughout the festival to participate in its various rituals.
Sinha also noted a significant influx of tourists from other districts, states and foreign countries during this year’s celebrations.
According to officials, as many as 954 deities participated in the Mauli Pargaon ritual, while 461 took part in Bhitar Raini. Several other village deities also participated in various ceremonies associated with Bastar Dussehra.
The increased participation reflects improved access to remote areas and renewed involvement of local communities in one of Chhattisgarh’s most prominent cultural and religious festivals.
(ANI Inputs)
