The Bastar Madai is an endeavour by the District Administration of Bastar, to promote the rich cultural heritage and nature hotspots of Bastar District. We were honoured to be part of the launch of the Bastar Madai, a festival that celebrates the spirit of Bastar.

As we drove across the district of Bastar we were swept away by the sheer beauty of the landscapes, the emerald paddy fields, seemingly stretching out to infinity, maize fields swaying in the breeze, and the cascade of many waterfalls creating a mesmerizing symphony of nature. We were touched by the endearing warmth and innocence of the locals, who welcomed us with open arms. Images of fear and violence fostered by an over-enthusiastic media faded away, as we experienced the numerous hues of breathtaking Bastar.

Bastar – A Paradise Waiting To Be Discovered

Bastar is a tantalizing medley of colours that enthrals you right from the moment you step off the plane at Jagdalpur’s Maa Danteshwari Airport. Of course, the most dominating hue is the different shades of green that greet you in the countryside. The greenery you see all around soothes your mind and fills you with an almost divine bliss.

The warm hospitality of the tribals touches your hearts. As you move around the district you discover its rich heritage and culture in the form of its dances and art forms, in the ancient temples that stand as enduring beacons of hope. The numerous waterfalls including, of course, the famous Chitrakot Falls enchant you with their sheer majesty and pristine forms.

In short, Bastar is nothing less than a revelation, a paradise waiting to be discovered.

The Bastar Madai – Showcasing Bastar To The World | Bastar Chhattisgarh Tourism

The Bastar Madai is a brainchild of the District Collector of Bastar, Shri Vijay Dayaram and his team. It is an endeavour to showcase the rich cultural heritage, the cuisine, the adventure circuits, the spiritual trails, and the nature and adventure hotspots of the region to potential tourists. The event draws inspiration from the traditional Madai Festival celebrated by the tribals of the region. The festival in itself is a mesmerizing fusion of religion, spirituality, commerce, music, dance, and food.

The Bastar Madai festival conceived by the District Administration of Bastar coincides with the famous Bastar Dussehra, which is well known for its unique and colourful celebrations. The Bastar Dussehra celebrations span over 75 days. The Bastar Madai tourism initiative has been broadly categorized into broad sectors or themes and represented by different colours. This is in acknowledgement of the diverse interests that travellers to Bastar may have.

The first theme is Yellow Tourism, which covers culture, food, and the celebrations of the tribals of Bastar. This category includes tribal markets and the dynamics within. The second category is Brown Tourism which encompasses the archaeological sites and the numerous caves of the Bastar district. Green Tourism is focused on nature, while Blue Tourism is dedicated to the water spots and includes famous waterfalls, and Red colour stands for the spiritual spots of the region including the temple of Maa Danteshwari.

Launch Of The Bastar Madai – A Cultural Extravaganza

The Bastar Madai was formally launched in a colourful function by Shri Vijay Dayaram, District Collector of Bastar District, at BADAL (Bastar Academy of Dance, Art & Literature). The function was graced by dignitaries from the District Administration, and travel content creators from across India, eager to experience the best of Bastar. The highlight of the event was the cultural programme which featured tribal dances and local songs that had the audience riveted.

Bastar Through Our Eyes – The Bastar Madai

It was our first time in Bastar, and we were struck by the enormous potential the place has in terms of tourism. Join us on our journey, as we discover Bastar. Of course, we were there for a very short period and just scraped the surface, but what we experienced, was an indication of the vast treasures that lie unknown and unrecognized, in the district, waiting to be discovered. We summarize here, all our experiences during our 2-day Bastar visit, encompassing the places to visit in Basar, the food to eat in Bastar, the tribal dances and customs of Bastar, and much more.

Enthralling Music And Dance of Bastar – The Bastar Madai

The evening came alive to sweet local melodies and the rhythm of tribal dances. We experienced this aspect of Bastar culture in the course of the inaugural ceremony as well as the felicitation ceremony, both at BADAL (Bastar Academy of Art, Dance & Literature).

The melody of the Bastar Madai theme song by Brij Dhurve entranced us, listen to this beautiful song here.

The hugely popular Halbi song, Bailadila, was rendered beautifully by the folk singer, Lakeshwar Khudaram. The lyrics are by the late Shri Kaashinath Samanth (“Bastariya”). The song describes in poetic terms the beauty of Bastar, and how its magic pulls people to its fold. Listen to the song here.

During the Inaugural ceremony of The Bastar Madai, we were swept off our feet by the vibrant local dances that included the likes of Gaur Maria Dance, Mandri Dance, and Panthi Dance.

Heritage Walk In Jagdalpur, Bastar District Chhattisgarh

The historical importance of Jagdalpur was underlined on our Jagdalpur Heritage Walk. Jagdalpur was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Bastar, before Independence. The current ceremonial King of Bastar is Maharajah Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo.

Our Jagdalpur Heritage Walk began with a visit to the sacred Ma Danteshwari Mandir located in the heart of the city. Here Shakti is worshipped as Danteshwari. There is a bigger temple to Danteshwari in Dantewada, about 85 km from Jagdalpur, which is a Shaktipeeth, where it is believed that the tooth of Sati fell when Lord Shiva was doing the Tandav dance with the body of Sati on his shoulder.

From the Ma Danteshwari Temple, a walk of a few metres took us to another iconic temple of Jagdalpur, the Jagannath Mandir. This place is steeped in legends and history that link it to the traditional Bastar Dussehra, and the massive chariots that stand outside. It is a temple with beautiful idols of the trio of Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra.

Near the Maa Danteshwari Temple is the old Bastar Palace, a historical monument that stands as a testimony to the royal history of Jagdalpur, and Bastar. Another historical landmark in Jagdalpur is the Dalpat Sagar Lake, which is an artificial lake that was excavated by King Dalpat Deo Kakatiya in the 17th century.

Glimpsing The Fascinating World of Bastar Dhokra Art

We drove between lush paddy fields to reach the village of Chilkuti (चिलकुटी), some 15 odd km from Jagdalpur. We were there to witness live, the renowned Bastar Dhokra Art, a craft that has a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Bastar Dhokra Art is a traditional metal craft practised by the Bastar tribes that has been passed on from generation to generation. It is interesting to note that this form of metal crafting can be traced back to over 4,000 years ago, to Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. The famous dancing girl figurine of Mohenjo-daro is one of the earliest examples of this bell metal craft of Bastar.

What makes the Bastar Dhokra Art unique is that each item is handcrafted using a core made of clay over which a coating of wax is applied. The final products are exquisite examples of Bell Metal Craft and include sculptures and figurines, Deities, lamps, toys, and candle stands.

We visited a family that has been engaged in this esoteric craft for many generations and observed the different processes involved in the craft, we also looked at some of the beautiful finished products that reflected the rich traditions and intangible culture of the region.

Getting Close To The Spectacular Waterfalls of Bastar 

If Kerala is God’s Own Country, then Bastar is God’s Own Garden. The natural beauty of the region that we witnessed during The Bastar Madai, was simply stunning. River Indravathi which flows through Bastar and is its lifeline, is one of the architects of Bastar’s stunning beauty. The waterfalls formed by the river and its tributaries and streams, add magic to the landscapes of Bastar. We were thrilled to get close to some of the main waterfalls that are scattered like gems in the Bastar region.

Chitrakote Falls

The spectacular Chitrakote Falls is the main draw of Bastar District. We were blessed to witness this waterfall in full flow from close quarters. The Indravathi plunges down a wide rocky surface, giving the waterfall, the sobriquet of, “Niagara of India.” Chitrakoot Falls is at a distance of about 38 km from Jagdalpur.

Tirathgarh Falls

The Tirathgarh Waterfall makes for an enchanting site, as a cascade of milky white water plunges over a rocky face. An ancient temple on a rock facing the waterfall makes the vista even more dramatic. It is a place not to miss when in Bastar, Chattisgarh. The Tirathgarh Waterfall is located inside the Kanger Valley National Park and is at a distance of about 33 km from Jagdalpur.

Mendri Ghumar

Mendri Ghumar is a small seasonal waterfall. What makes this waterfall special is its pristine setting. One can enjoy spectacular views of the lush green valley stretching out below. Mendri Ghumar is about 42 km from Jagdalpur.

Tamda Ghumar

Tamda Ghumar is another spectacular waterfall that you must not miss and should include in your Bastar itinerary. Tamda Ghumar is aboutt 50 km from Jagdalpur.

Being Awed By The Ancient Temples And Sites of Bastar

Bastar is not all about nature, culture, and adventure. It is home to many heritage sites including the archaeological site of Basrur. We could visit a few of the ancient temples and hope to return for more.

Narayan Temple, Narayanpal, Bastar District

The Narayanpal Narayan Temple is a beautiful temple dating back to the 11th century. It is built in the Saptaratha architectural style, reminiscent of the Chaturbhuja Temple in Khajuraho. The temple was believed to be originally dedicated to Shiva and later converted to a Vishnu temple. The Narayanpal Vishnu Temple is about 35 km from Jagdalpur city.

Shiv Mandir, Gumadpal, Bastar District

This beautiful temple is seemingly in the middle of nowhere, enveloped in a cocoon of serenity. The temple is believed to have been built during the 11th or 12th centuries by the Kakatiya kings. In the garba griha, there is a Shiva Linga. The shikhara of the temple is intact, barring the Kalasha and Amlakha which have collapsed. The Gumadpal Shiv Mandir is about 45 km from Jagdalpur.

Shiv Mandir, Singaigudi, Bastar District

There is an ancient Shiva Temple just 0.5 km from the famous Chitrakote Falls. Though the temple itself no longer exists, the sanctum, specifically a huge Shiva Linga, is intact. This temple is believed to have been built by the Nagavanshi kings between the 11th and 12th centuries.

Intriguing Memory Pillars of Bastar

As you drive across the lush landscapes of Bastar, you are sure to come across, mysterious looking, long stone or wooden pillars, some with colourful paintings, standing somnolently by the roadside. These are memorials to the dead. The Maria and Muria tribes of Bastar erect these memory pillars to honour their dead. The pillars depict many facets of the deceased’s life. In some ways, the concept is similar to the pyramids of Egypt.

Interacting With Tribals At The Tribal Market

In the limited time that we had in Bastar, we managed to have some interaction with the tribals. In the first instance, serendipity of travel came into play as we stopped by the roadside to witness a traditional tribal festival that was on.

It was that of Nuakhai that celebrated the new crop of rice. A ritual was in process, attended only by the menfolk. Eggs and fruits were being offered to the deity. We observed a young boy who after bowing down in reverence, seemed to be possessed by the deity. The villagers were propitiating his thirst with buckets of water, and making him various offerings.

We then attended one of the weekly tribal markets, known as Pamela Market, on the outskirts of Jagdalpur. It was a colourful congregation of tribals and other locals. Fruits and vegetables were being sold. Some women could be seen preparing hot and fresh snacks that were selling like hot cakes. Some elders were enjoying glasses of Mahua, a spirit made from the dried flowers of the Mahua tree. Cattle were also being bought and sold in the shady environs of the market, which was happening underneath a canopy of trees in a vast open space.

But the centre of attraction was the place where cock fights were being held. Huge crowds thronged the arena, shouting themselves hoarse, egging the bird that they had bet on, to victory.

The tribal markets of Bastar are more than just places where commercial transactions take place. The markets are places for social interaction in the community where relationships including marital ones are forged.

Enjoying Local Bastar Food

We were surprised to find that in Jagdalpur, the most popular breakfast includes items like Idly, Vada, Dosa, Upma, and Poha. These are available in eateries across the city. We had lunch at the Millet Cafe, aka Sehat Bazaar. The restaurant serves healthy food and has innovative dishes made from millet, like Ragi Idli, Ragi Paratha, Ragi Cake, Ragi Chila, Mahua Chai, and much more.

We also tasted local dishes like Aamat which is a tangy mixed vegetable curry, Salebhaji, a tangy leafy vegetable dish, and Kumda, a curry made of pumpkin, along with rice, at the Amcho Bastar Cafe, located near Chitrakot Falls.

How to Reach Bastar District Chattisgarh

• Jagdalpur is the headquarters of Bastar district
• You can visit Bastar making your base Jagdalpur which is serviced by the Maa Danteshwari Airport.
• One can also fly to Raipur and from there travel by road to Jagdalpur which is about 292 kilometres away

It was a short but sweet experience that we had at Bastar. The people of Bastar made us feel at home, and the landscapes had a fairytale quality about them. The memories that we made in Bastar remain in our hearts and minds and will be cherished for a long, long time.

We hope you found our deep dive into The Bastar Madai – a celebration of Bastar as fascinating as we did! Have you ever experienced the magic of Bastar firsthand? We would love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this post about The Bastar Madai with your friends and across your social media handles— it is always better to explore together!

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Our visit to Bastar was made possible through the invitation of the Bastar district administration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to District Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram and his team for introducing us to the rich culture, heritage, and beauty of Bastar.

We were hosted by Bastar District Administration. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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Sandy & Vyjay are a husband and wife duo who are travel content creators. They are co-founders of this travel website and are one of the leading travel content creators in India.

Sandy & Vyjay quit their successful corporate careers to pursue their passion for travel and writing full-time. Their dedication has earned them the “Best Travel Writer” award and numerous accolades on both national and international stages. Focusing on India’s destinations, heritage, and culture, they are passionate advocates for nature and the environment. Through their content, they promote ecotourism and sustainable travel, inspiring others to explore and preserve the beauty of India.