Kachhan Gadi’, the ritual of seeking permission from Goddess Kachhan for commencing the world famous Dussehra festival in Bastar was performed with full religious fervor here.
As a part of the ritual, Vishakha, a young girl presented as Goddess Kachhan was laid on a swing made up of thorns and people including Maharaja Kamalchandra Bhanjdev popularly called by tribals as a tradition as King of Bastar, MPs, MlAs and Rajguru besides large number of people took her blessings on the occasion.
The procession started from the palace amidst drum beats and fireworks. The procession led by dignitaries and people reached Kachhangudi where it was welcomed by large number of people.
The girl will remain on nine-day fast and she is given a ride on a thorn-laden swing as a part of the ritual for the success of Dussehra festival. People including members of royal family performed puja and took her blessing.
Meanwhile, the Navratri festival began at Danteshwari temple in Dantewada. Devotees from different parts of the Bastar division started visiting the temple since early morning. On the first day, the puja of Shailputri Devi was performed followed by puja of Brahmacharini Devi on the second day on Thursday.
The Ma Danteshwari Devi temple is among the Shaktipeeths of the country and the temple was constructed by Raja Annamdev in 14th century.
Meanwhile, installation of the idol of Goddess Durga was done in the entire Bastar region. Pandals of different sizes and shapes have been erected to establish the idol of Goddess. The streets and roads echoed with the drum beats and slogans by devotees while taking out idol installation procession.