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Chhattisgarh Festival Highlights & Chhattisgarh Festival images

Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of India with the vibrant Chhattisgarh Festival. From the world's longest-running Dussehra celebration in Bastar to the colorful Madai Festival, each event is a spectacular showcase of ancient traditions, tribal art, and rich heritage.

Our exclusive collection of Chhattisgarh Festival images captures the essence of these magnificent celebrations, featuring captivating folk dances, intricate rituals, and the joyous spirit of the local communities.

1. Hareli Festival of Chhattisgarh: First Festival

Hareli Festival, a symbol of greenery and prosperity, is the first and major festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional joy on the new moon day of the Sawan month every year.

The word 'Hareli' is derived from the Hindi word 'Hariyali' (greenery), which reflects the essence of this festival.

2. Kamarchhat or Halshashthi Chhattisgarh Festival Images

Halshashti Vrat is one of the major fasts for women in Chhattisgarh. It is also known as Kamarchhath or Lalahi Chhath. During this fast, a meal is prepared using Pasher rice (red rice) and six types of green leafy vegetables (bhaji).

On this day, any item related to the cow and any vegetable, fruit, or greens that have been plowed using a plough (hal) are strictly prohibited.

3. Pora or Pola festival of Chhattisgarh

Pora is an important festival for the farmers of Chhattisgarh. It is celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Bhado (August–September).

On this day, people decorate their animals, especially bulls, with vibrant colors and bells (ghungroo), and take them out in grand processions accompanied by music and drums.

Young children play with toy bulls made of clay, brass, or wood. On Pora, people worship their bulls and refrain from making them work that day.

This tradition is called Pora or Pola. The Chhattisgarh festival is celebrated like a fair and ends with local cuisines.

4. Teeja Festival of Chhattisgarh

This festival is celebrated to seek the long life of the husband and the prosperity of the family.

On this day, married women observe a Nirjala (No water) fast, refraining from both food and water throughout the day.

A day before the fast, they visit each other’s homes and share a traditional meal called "Karu Bhaat", consisting of bitter gourd curry and rice.

The rituals include the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women make clay idols, decorate them with flowers, offer prayers and prasad, and conclude the celebration with devotional songs and a night-long vigil.

5. Akshay Tritya or Akti Festival Chhattisgarh

This festival is celebrated on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, and involves the marriage of clay dolls, which includes an element of teaching family and cultural traditions through children.

6. Jawara A Famous Chhattisgarh Festival

The festivals celebrated here are not confined to mere religious faith; they also serve as a medium for social and cultural bonding. One of the most significant among them is Jawara (Janwara), observed across Chhattisgarh with deep devotion and great enthusiasm during the festival of Navratri.

The Jawara Chhattisgarh festival is celebrated twice a year—once during Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and again during Sharadiya Navratri (September–October).

On the very first day of Navratri, barley seeds are sown in earthen pots or wooden baskets. For nine consecutive days, these sprouting greens, known as Jawara, are worshipped as a sacred embodiment of Goddess Shakti.

7. Cher-Chera Festival in Chhattisgarh

Cher-Chera is a traditional and popular festival of Chhattisgarh, celebrated with great enthusiasm across villages. This festival is primarily associated with the harvest season and the abundance of food grains. It is observed on Paush Purnima (December–January).

On this day, groups of children and youths go from house to house, singing traditional songs and collecting rice, grains, and other food items.

According to local belief, sharing food and grains on this day brings prosperity, happiness, and blessings of abundance to the household.

Cher-Chera is not only a festival of joy but also a cultural expression that strengthens social bonds and highlights the spirit of cooperation in village life.

8. Navakhai A traditional Chhattisgarh Festival

The festival is marked by the traditional consumption of newly harvested rice or wheat. Before eating, people first offer the fresh crop to their deities as a gesture of gratitude.

In many tribal areas, the celebration takes place collectively, with communities coming together to share the harvest.

9. Madai Festival of Chhattisgarh

Madai is celebrated annually in villages on different dates, symbolizing joy and prosperity. These fairs feature a variety of goods for purchase, cultural activities, and entertaining rides for visitors. 

Some of the most famous Madai fairs include the Rajim Mela, Champaran Mela, and the grand Bastar Mela held during Dussehra.

10. Matar Festival in Chhattisgarh

Matar is a traditional Chhattisgarh festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in village communities. Observed the day after Govardhan Puja, which follows Diwali, this festival focuses on the worship of cows, symbolizing prosperity and reverence for livestock.

It is predominantly celebrated by the Yadav community (Raut, Thethwar, Pahtiya), though people from other communities also participate with equal devotion. The rituals include applying a tilak made of cow dung and singing folk couplets through the night.

The most captivating part of the celebration is the energetic and colorful Raut dance. These are the main traditional festivals of Chhattisgarh.

ChhattisgarhPedia

Chhattisgarh is home to some of the oldest tribal communities in India.

Chhattisgarh Tourism is one of India’s most underrated travel destinations. It offers a rich mix of nature, culture, and heritage.

From the dense forests of Bastar to the tranquil surroundings of Mainpat, Chhattisgarh Tourism is a paradise for nature lovers.

For the adventurous soul, Chhattisgarh offers plenty of options like trekking, caving, water sports, and camping.

The state has ancient temples, Buddhist sites, and historical ruins. Places like Sirpur, Bhoramdeo, and Rajim are spiritual hubs and archaeological treasures.