छत्तीसगढ़ के त्यौहार (Chhattisgarh festivals)

Hareli Festival (हरेली त्यौहार )

The Hareli festival is one of the popular festivals Chhattisgarh. Farmers celebrate this festival in the month of Shravan, by worshipping farm equipment and cows. They place branches and leaves of the Bhelwa tree in the fields and pray for a good crop, and also hang small Neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to prevent seasonal diseases. For the next 15 days, Baigas (the traditional medical practitioners) teachi their disciples - this goes on till panchami (the day following Ganesh Chaturthi) or the months of July and August in the Gregorian calendar. On panchami, they examine their disciples, and if satisfied with their performance, grant them the license to practice medicine. Children play gedi (walking on bamboo) and take part in a gedi race.

Hareli festival is of special importance among Gond tribes. During this time the farmers of Chhattisgarh worship their equipments used for farming and cows. The farmers pray for a good harvest and the basic theme of this festival is manly nature centric. The manifestations in rituals are simple, though the prayers are ardent.

Madai Festival (मड़ई त्यौहार )

This tribal festival is celebrated by the tribes of Kanker and Bastar regions, to worship the local God(dess). It travels through the Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada regions from December to March each year.

In December, celebrations start in Bastar to honour the goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. In January, the people of Kanker, Charama and Kurna celebrate the festival. In February the festival goes back to Bastar and Cheri-Chher-Kin is honoured this time. Towards the end of February, the festival goes to Antagarh, Narayanpur and Bhanupratappur. In March it goes to Kondagaon, Keshkal and Bhopalpattanam.

It is held in a big ground, so that thousands of people can attend the ceremony, which starts with a procession of the local God(dess), followed by worhip of the same, culminating in cultural programs, dancing and lots of good food.

Goncha Festival(गोंचा त्यौहार )

he newly found state of Chhattisgarh has a fairly large tribal population. These tribes have a distinctive cultural entity of their own. Their unique culture is best manifested in the festivals that they celebrate with a great deal of pomp and grandeur.

The Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh is one such tribal festival that is marked by a lot of joy and merry making. It also showcases the inimitable tribal culture. If you can visit the district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh at the time of the Goncha Festival you will get the unique privilege to be a part of the festival that is truly one of its kind.

Description of the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh

The Goncha Festival is also popularly known as the Chariot Festival probably because it is celebrated at a time when the Hindus celebrate Rath Yatra. The vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment that marks the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh is remarkable. The zest and hearty spirit of the tribals from different parts of Bastar who participate in this festival is incredible.

There are several customs that are associated with this Chhattisgarh Festival. Goncha is actually a kind of fruit. The tribal people make a pistol using tukki or bamboo. As is evident, it is just a mock weapon that is constructed by them to follow the tradition of the tribe. The fruit Goncha is likewise used as a bullet.

They use the pistol and the bullet, actually a bamboo stick cut in the shape of a pistol and a fruit to strike each other. The intention is not to hurt each other but to just be a part of a mock encounter. It is a source of unlimited joy for them. They find it very thrilling and exciting. The fervor and gusto of the people of Chhattisgarh at the time of celebrating this festival is admirable. The celebration of Festivals like these brings to the forefront the ethnicity of this part of the country.

Time for celebrating the Goncha Festival in Chhattisgarh

The Goncha Festival is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar at the time of Rath Yatra. It generally falls in the month of July according to the Gregorian calendar. If you visit the state of Chhattisgarh at the time of the Goncha Festival, you can be a part of the festivities.

Teeja Festival (तीजा त्यौहार )

Teej - the festival of swings is celebrated with gusto and fervor in various parts of India and Nepal. The festival of Teej commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women and young girls celebrate the festival with earnest devotion. Teej falls in the month of Sawan and brings great relax from the scorching summers. Many religious activities takes place at the time of Teej. Such rituals and customs of Teej forces people to become part of grand Teej celebrations.

Teej has many significant roles to play in one's life. Women observing Nirajara Vrat on Teej are said to be blessed with long and healthy life of their husband by Teej Mata Parvati. Various other customs and rituals of Teej make the festival more important. Teej gives a chance to women to express their love and devotion for their husband who in return present beautiful gifts to their wife as a token of love.