Chhatar Jatra Bhawanipatna 2025 : The Festival of Sacrifice in Kalahandi

Overview

Chhatar Jatra Bhwanipatna is a tribal-origin festival celebrated with great devotion in Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Kalahandi, Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Maa Manikeswari, the Istadevi (presiding deity) of the Kalahandi royal family and the most revered goddess of the region. Its uniqueness lies in the grand procession of the sacred “Chhatar” (an umbrella-like symbol of Maa Manikeswari), which represents the goddess herself.

Maa Manikeswari: The Local Deity of Bhawanipatna

Manikeswari is the local deity (Adhistatri Devi) of Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Kalahandi district in the state of Orissa. Manikeswari (goddess of Manikya or Ruby) was a deity worshipped in the west, south, and some of the coastal parts of Orissa during the medieval period. This goddess is identified with the categories of Sakta divinities. The Chhatar festival is associated with Manikeswari.

Origins of Chhatar Jatra

There are diverse opinions regarding the origin of Chhatar. According to Rajdarwar records, Chhatar festival is observed to commemorate the bringing of goddess Manikeswari by the 7th Naga Vamsi king Ramachandra Deo (1201–1234 A.D.) from his maternal uncle’s place at Gadapur to Bundeseer (the present Bhawanipatna).

Another view is that ‘Jena’ is the Kandh god associated with human sacrifice (Maria Bali). ‘Khal’ is the local name for a pit where the sacrifices are put into. The name of the place ‘Jenakhal’ might have come from these associations.

The once prevalent human sacrifice (Meria Bali) was effectively stopped by Maharaja Fate Narayan Deo (1831–53). Further, Jena also means prince. So, Jenakhal can be associated with a place where the defeated princes were sacrificed and their body was put in a pit (i.e., in a khal). Incidentally, the Chhatar procession is also accompanied by the Ghumura war beats. So, this yatra may be reminiscent of a war victory procession. There is still a khal or pit in the present Jenakhal into which the sacrificed animals are thrown.

Chhatar Jatra Bhawanipatna 2025 Timetable – Kalahandi (September 30 – October 1)

Chhatar Jatra 2025 in Kalahandi – Timings: The festival begins on Mahastami evening (September 30, 2025) with worship at the Maa Manikeswari temple and sword washing. Around midnight, the Nabakalebara head replacement ritual and buffalo sacrifice at Budharaja shrine are performed. Later that night, the Chhatar is taken to Jenakhal for consecration. In the early morning of Navami (October 1, 2025), the Chhatar Yatra returns to the temple, accompanied by Ghumura music, animal sacrifices, and grand celebrations.

Rituals During Dussera

Every year during the Dussera festival in the Astami Tithi i.e.8th day from the full moon (Mulastami), after the evening worship in the temple, the sword of the goddess is washed in the pond situated behind the royal palace. It is then worshipped according to the traditional rituals and is brought back to the temple amidst traditional music (Ghumra) [On the same day the ‘Khandabasa’ (sword placement) ritual is also performed in Lakenswari and Knakadurga temples of Junagarh].

In the midnight of ‘Mulastami’, the head of the deity (Manikeswari) is removed from its body. A new head made of clay and decorated with ornaments, is then placed on the body of the deity (Nabakalebara). The old head is then immersed in the Purusottama Tank situated near the temple. These rituals are carried out in the dead of the night in a most secret ceremony.

Animal Sacrifice in Chhatar Jatra bhawanipatna

During the Dushera festival, in the mid night of Mahastami (8th day from new moon),Buffalo and Goat sacrifice is made to the Budharaja (or Vairab, a deity placed in a small shrine situated near the north entrance of the Manikeswari temple). It is the only time this shrine is opened and the deity is worshipped during the entire year. Following this ritual, the Chhatar or umbrella of the goddess, along with two sword of the deity, is taken in the night of Mahastami to a particular spot known as Jenakhal located in the out skirt of Bhawanipatna, near about three km. from the temple of Manikeswari. Here, after buffalo sacrifice, the consecration of Chhatar is made by blood. In the early morning of Navami (9th day) the ‘Chhatar’ returns from Jenakhal to the temple.

This return journey is celebrated as ‘Chhatar Yatra’ amidst much fan fair. The Ghumura musicians play their war music in front of the Chhatar procession. During this time large number of goat, sheep, and hen are sacrificed and doves are released by the people. The Chhatar is reinstalled in the sanctum of the temple. During this time buffalo, supplied by the royal family, is sacrificed. Through out this yatra (journey) the Brahmin and non-Brahmin (Paika or Kandh) priests play their respectively assigned rites.

Lakha Bindha Festival on Vijaya Dashami

On the following day, i.e., on Vijaya Dasami, the Chhatar is again taken to a mango grove situated in Naktiguda village on the outskirts of the town. The Chhatar is worshipped there with goat sacrifice, followed by a rifle shooting competition. An earthen pot is tied to a mango tree, which serves as a target for the competitors. The winner gets prizes from the royal family and also gets the privilege of accompanying the Chhatar on its return journey to the temple. This practice is known as the Lakha Bindha festival. Chhatar is one of the main festivals of the people of Kalahandi.

Conclusion
Chhatar Jatra is one of the most significant and vibrant festivals of Kalahandi, dedicated to Maa Manikeswari. It beautifully blends tribal traditions, rituals, and local culture, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every year. From the evening worship and sword washing to the midnight Nabakalebara ritual, buffalo sacrifices, and the Chhatar Yatra, every moment reflects the deep spiritual devotion and rich heritage of the region. The Lakha Bindha festival and rifle shooting competition add unique cultural charm, making Chhatar Jatra a grand celebration of faith, bravery, and community spirit. For anyone visiting Kalahandi during Dussehra, witnessing Chhatar Jatra is an unforgettable experience of devotion, music, and tradition.