Tribals of Bastar worship lord Jagannath with full festivity in the popular Goncha festival ‘Netrotsav’ that signifies worshiping the image of the eyes of lord Jagannath.
A riot of colour and hues remain rampant for days in month of July as tribals immerse themselves in devotion of lord Jagannath.
Sacred idols of lord Jagannath, Godess Subhadra and lord Balbhadra are placed in Goncha Rath ‘Chariot’ to perform the grand puja. Devotees throng the streets to have a glance of beautifully
decorated Rath.
On July 10, Goncha Rath will be prepared for lord Jagannath and other deities for special offerings and worship.
A total of 22 idols are placed ceremoniously onto the specially prepared chariot called ‘Goncha Rath,’ which traverses through the main streets of the town and finally reaches to the final destination Janakpuri, Sirhasar Bhavan. Idols of lord Jagannath , Subhadra and Balbhadra will rest here for another 9 days to follow the 605-years-old
tradition.
According to the local populace, Goncha Rath will be the centre of attraction this year since artists from Kolkata are specially called here to decorate the Goncha Rath with flowers and to make a special idol of lord Jagannath with the help of paddy or rice.
‘Tupki’ is another attraction of this festival , a kind of pipe used to pelt a local berry through the blow of the air on fellow or friends. Now from Wednesday , nine days to come will be full of devotion mixed with fun and festivity in Bastar and tribal will exibit their full traditional colour of festivity
on streets .