Bastar Dussehra, celebrated in Jagdalpur in the heart of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is unlike any other Dussehra in India. Stretching over 75 days, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running festival in the country. Unlike the typical Ramayana-inspired Dussehra observed across India, Bastar Dussehra is a tribal festival dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the revered deity of the Bastar region. This ancient celebration is deeply rooted in local beliefs, tribal rituals, and nature worship, making it a vibrant tapestry of tradition and community participation.

The festivities involve unique rituals like the Rath Yatra (chariot procession), jogi bithaai, and maoli parghav, where tribal priests, elders, and devotees come together to pay homage to their gods and ancestors. The celebration is a living showcase of Gond, Maria, Muria, Halba, and other tribal cultures, with each community contributing through music, dance, and elaborate rituals passed down over centuries.

A visit during Bastar Dussehra offers an unforgettable cultural immersion—one where spirituality, nature, and community spirit converge in a celebration that is as moving as it is magnificent.