Step Into Tradition: The Vibrant Goncha Festival of Chhattisgarh

When it comes to celebrating culture and tradition, Chhattisgarh wears its heritage with pride and nothing showcases that better than the Goncha Festival of Bastar. While Bastar is globally renowned for its 75-day long Dussehra the longest festival in the world, few outside the region know about the colorful and quirky celebration that kicks it all off: Goncha.

Rooted deeply in tribal customs and nature’s rhythm, Goncha is the 13th festival celebrated over 12 months in Bastar. Yes, you read that right 13 festivals in 12 months! And Goncha is easily one of the most fascinating of them all.

Tracing the Roots: A Royal Beginning

Goncha dates back over 600 years to 1408 AD, when Maharaja Purushottam Dev of the Chalukya dynasty visited the famous Rath Yatra in Jagannath Puri, Odisha. So inspired was he by the grand procession that he brought the tradition back home along with a 16-wheeled chariot gifted by the king of Odisha and the title Rathadhipati. With him came 360 Aranyak Brahmin families and several idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Soon, the Jagannath Temple in Jagdalpur was established, housing 22 idols each carried today in a grand procession on three chariots during Goncha. The original 16-wheeled chariot was divided into 12 wheels (four dedicated to Lord Jagannath), and the rest is now part of the legacy that roars to life every year during Goncha.

What Makes Goncha So Unique? One Word: Tupki!

If you think Goncha is just about rituals and devotion think again. The real fun lies in the tradition of Tupki, a playful and lively “guard of honor” to Lord Jagannath. Imagine villagers running around with brightly colored bamboo guns, shooting peng a small wild fruit used as a mock bullet at each other in good humor!

The Tupki is a handmade bamboo cannon decorated with palm leaves and colorful paper, and it’s exclusive to Bastar. The air buzzes with laughter and joyful chaos as villagers of all ages engage in friendly fire. Trust us dodging those pengu bullets is as thrilling as it is just another experience that you will never find anywhere else!

The Grand Rath Yatra: Where Devotion Meets Majesty

Come festival day, the streets of Jagdalpur transform into a dazzling river of color and devotion. All 22 idols from the Jagannath Temple are placed on three decorated chariots, accompanied by the royal family and thousands of enthusiastic devotees. The procession winds its way through town, offering a spectacle that’s both spiritual and majestic.

Interestingly, while Lord Jagannath is the center of Goncha, the Bastar Dussehra rituals involve the consecration of Lord Rama in the temple courtyard. Due to the non-sacrificial customs of the Jagannath Temple, all offerings and sacrifices during Dussehra are performed at the Rama Temple nearby. It’s a beautiful blend of cultures and a symbol of the harmony that defines Bastar’s spirit.

Goncha: A Celebration You Must Experience

Goncha isn’t just a festival it’s a time machine, a community carnival, and a cultural handshake all rolled into one. Whether you’re drawn to the ancient history, the vibrant traditions, or just want to feel the rush of getting hit by a flying peng, Goncha is an experience you’ll never forget.

Beyond the Celebration: A Window into Tribal Identity

It is more than just a festive gathering it’s a living reflection of Bastar’s tribal identity and communal spirit. What sets it apart is the seamless integration of ancient traditions with everyday life. For the locals, preparing for Goncha isn’t just seasonal it’s generational. Skills like crafting Tupkis, decorating chariots, and organizing rituals are passed down like heirlooms. The festival is also a reminder of the resilience of tribal customs in a modernizing world. It celebrates unity, nature, and heritage in their most organic forms offering visitors not just a spectacle, but a heartfelt connection to India’s indigenous soul.

Ready to join the celebration? Goncha awaits! Tap and send a WhatsAapp Message to get the itinerary!