State 27 October 2026
Deities from 50 Formerly Naxal-Affected Villages Join Bastar Dussehra for First Time
Why in the News?
In a historic cultural milestone, local village deities from nearly **50 formerly Naxal-affected interior villages** in Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur (Abujhmad) participated in the renowned **Bastar Dussehra** festival in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, for the first time.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Historic Participation: Residents from remote tribal belts—including Abujhmad—travelled to Jagdalpur with their local village deities to take part in traditional ceremonies.
- Improved Accessibility: Enhanced security, road infrastructure, and regional peace enabled villagers to travel safely and attend the festival in record numbers.
- Major Rituals: A record **954 village deities** participated in the *'Mauli Pargaon'* ritual, while **461 deities** took part in the *'Bhitar Raini'* ceremony.
- Cultural Distinction: Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, Bastar Dussehra is the world's longest festival, spanning **75 days**, and uniquely involves no burning of effigies (Ravan Dahan).
Static GK Facts:
- Bastar Dussehra:
- Duration: **75 days** (recognized as the longest-celebrated festival in the world).
- Historical Origin: Initiated in the 15th century during the reign of **King Purushottam Dev** of the Kakatiya Dynasty.
- Presiding Deity: **Goddess Danteshwari** (Kuldevi of the Kakatiya rulers).
- Key Rituals: *Paath Jatra, Kachhin Gaadi, Jogi Bithai, Mauli Pargaon, Bhitar Raini, Baahar Raini,* and *Muriya Darbar*.
- Abujhmad: A dense forest region in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, historically known as "the uncharted matrix".
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Deities from 50 formerly Naxal-affected villages participated for the first time in which famous 75-day festival of Chhattisgarh in October 2026?
A: Bastar Dussehra
Q: Who was the Kakatiya ruler who initiated the tradition of Bastar Dussehra in the 15th century?
A: King Purushottam Dev
Q: How many days does the world-famous Bastar Dussehra festival last?
A: 75 days
Q: Who is the principal presiding deity venerated during Bastar Dussehra?
A: Goddess Danteshwari (Maa Danteshwari)
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