Explanations:Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the victory of good over evil. It is traditionally celebrated over a period of 10 days, culminating in the burning of effigies of the demon Ravana. However, in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, the Dussehra celebrations are particularly unique and extended, lasting for approximately 75 days from August to October. This extended celebration is one of the longest Dussehra festivals in the world.
The Bastar Dussehra is a significant cultural event in Chhattisgarh and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural and social event that brings together people from different communities. The celebrations include various rituals, dances, and processions, which are unique to the region.
During the Bastar Dussehra, the main deity worshipped is the goddess Danteshwari, who is considered the presiding deity of Bastar. The festival begins with the installation of the goddess's idol and continues with various rituals and ceremonies. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the goddess's idol, which is carried through the streets of Bastar in a grand procession.
It is important to note that while Dussehra is celebrated in many parts of India, the Bastar Dussehra is unique in its duration and cultural significance. The extended celebration period allows for a deeper immersion into the cultural and religious practices of the region, making it a significant event in the cultural calendar of Chhattisgarh.
Other options such as Bumchu in Sikkim, Chhath in Bihar, and Losar in Tibet are not related to Dussehra. Bumchu is a Buddhist festival, Chhath is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, and Losar is the Tibetan New Year. These festivals, while significant in their own right, do not have the same cultural and religious significance as the Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh.