Bastar Dussehra sees record participation following end of Naxalism

The Bastar Dussehra festival in Chhattisgarh witnessed record-breaking participation this year, marked by the inclusion of deities from approximately 50 villages previously affected by Naxalism. Following the eradication of Naxalite influence on March 31, 2026, residents from remote areas in the Sukma, Bijapur, and Narayanpur districts—including the Abujhmad region—were able to travel to the festivities for the first time.

In addition to local participants, deities were brought from villages in neighboring Odisha, contributing to what officials described as the largest gathering seen in recent years. Local authorities noted that the newfound accessibility and peace in the region allowed for increased travel and participation in traditional rituals such as Mauli Pargaon and Bhitar Raini.