One of the last rituals of Bastar Dussehra Kutumb Jatra Vidhan was performed on Thursday with giving farewell to the gods and goddesses of different parganas (clusters of villages) who had been invited to participate in Dussehra. Maa Danteshwari will be given farewell on October 19.
Notably, gods and goddesses of different villages are invited to participate in Bastar Dussehra whereas Maa Danteshwari of Dantewada participates as presiding deity. After the conclusion of Bastar Dussehra rituals which include Kachhan Devi Vidhan, Jogi Bithai, Muria Darbar, Bhitar Raini, Bahar Raini and others. Rituals of bidding farewell to deities starts.
On Wednesday night, Kachhan jatra Vidhan or farewell to Kachhan Devi, who traditionally gives the permission to organise the Dussehra and ensure that it is completed without any hurdle, was held.
On Thursday morning Kutumb Jatra Vidhan i.e. giving farewell to invited deities started. In this ritual palanquin and umbrella of gods and goddesses reach at Gangamunda located ‘Mandap’ where they are given farewell and thanks for participating in the Dussehra.
On this occasion priests perform puja of the restive deity in the presence of Royal family members before they proceed to their respective places. In the 74-days-long Bastar Dussehra and hundreds of rituals, Kutumb Jatra ritual has special importance as almost all people related to organisation of this grand festival remain present on this occasion. Devotees also throng the Vidai Mandap and offer goat, pigeon, hen, swan to the departing deity on fulfilment of their wishes.
The presiding deity Maa Danteshwari, who is represented by her palanquin and umbrella will be given send off on Saturday marking the culmination of the festival.