Grand Inauguration of the Five-Day Mata Mawli Fair

Dev Parikrama and Congregation Enhance the Grandeur of the Fair

Raipur : The historic Mata Mawli Fair in the Orchha region of Narayanpur district, a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture, divine faith, and tradition, commenced today with devotion and enthusiasm. The five-day fair began with traditional rituals at the Mata Mawli Temple, including Parghav (the ceremonial welcome of deities). A grand procession featuring symbols of local deities—Dangai, Lath, Doli, and Chhatra—was carried out by villagers from surrounding areas. Upon reaching the fairgrounds, devotees performed the sacred Dhai Parikrama (two-and-a-half circumambulations), offering prayers and performing rituals in adherence to their age-old traditions.

Several local deities, including Mata Mawli, Kot Gudin, Sheetla Mata, Kokodi Karin, Telwadin Mata, Kankalin Mata, Sonkunwar, and Bhimadev, were ceremoniously welcomed at the fair. Devotees, along with traditional priests (Sirha, Pujaris, and Gayata), participated in ritualistic offerings and prayers, creating an atmosphere of deep faith and devotion.

Cultural Festivities and Attractions

The fair will feature cultural performances every evening from February 19 to 23, 2025. Notable events include:

• February 20: Bastar Culture Group Lok Rang (Siddharth Mahajan)
• February 21: Anurag Sharma Star Night & Group
• February 22: Ras Parab & Group (Jagdalpur)
• February 23: Mallakhamb Dance Academy & Nitin Dubey Super Star Night

As the largest folk festival in the region, the Mata Mawli Fair continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur. Attractions include a Meena Bazaar, various amusement rides, shops selling daily-use items, a fancy market, and sweet shops. A large number of villagers and tourists are enjoying the fair’s lively atmosphere.

Security and Facilities

The district administration has ensured comprehensive arrangements for security, drinking water, electricity, and parking at the fair. Police personnel have been deployed across the venue. Ample drinking water tankers and temporary sanitation facilities have been set up. High-power lights and generators illuminate the entire fairground, while designated parking zones ensure smooth traffic management.

A Symbol of Tribal Culture, Tradition, and Faith

The Mata Mawli Fair, held in Chhattisgarh’s Abujhmad region, is deeply rooted in the tribal culture, traditions, and religious beliefs of the local communities. Dedicated to Mata Mawli Devi, revered as the Kuldevi (ancestral goddess) of the indigenous tribes, the fair is an annual celebration of devotion and heritage.

A unique aspect of this festival is the grand procession (Jatra), where devotees from various villages carry their deities in wooden palanquins, performing rituals and circumambulating the shrine of Mata Mawli.

Believed to be a centuries-old tradition, the fair showcases the collective heritage of the Gond, Muria, and other tribal communities. It features vibrant folk dances, the rhythmic sounds of traditional instruments, ritualistic worship, and social gatherings. Beyond its religious significance, the Mata Mawli Fair serves as a vital social and cultural bridge, strengthening the bonds within the tribal society.