The historic Dussehra festivities in Bastar have formally commenced following the traditional completion of the Kachhangadi ritual. Under this centuries-old custom, the Bastar royal family formally sought approval to organize the grand celebrations from an unmarried young girl resting on a swing fashioned from sharp bael thorns. The successful culmination of this sacred ceremony clears the path for the remaining customary proceedings of the legendary 75-day festival.
Kachhangadi Ceremony at Bhangaram Chowk
The religious event took place strictly according to age-old rites at Bhangaram Chowk in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district. During this year's observance, 12-year-old Pihu Das carried out the central responsibility by lying upon the swing made of pointed bael thorns. According to longstanding local belief, Goddess Kachhan Devi spiritually possesses the young girl to grant divine sanction and safe conduct for the grand gathering.
Core Role of the Panka Community
The Panka community holds an indispensable traditional responsibility in orchestrating the Kachhangadi proceedings. Community member Prem Sagar Panka pointed out that custom strictly dictates choosing an unmarried maiden from their society to mediate this spiritual interaction. Only after the goddess descends and signals her consent from the thorny swing do the subsequent festival traditions move forward.
Rela Mata Worship on the Final Day of Pitru Paksha
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the event, Kamal Chandra Bhanjdeo of the Bastar royal lineage shared that this serves as a pivotal stage of the entire celebrations. Observed on the concluding day of Pitru Paksha, the rituals involve venerating Rela Mata in an ancestral aspect. With divine blessings now officially secured from Kachhan Devi and the mother deity, the royal family alongside local traditional landlords will proceed to execute all upcoming festive ceremonies.
