Chatar Jatra also known as Chatar Yatra is one of the popular traditional festivals celebrated by the people of Kalahandi District of Orissa. This great annual journey symbolizes Maa Manikeswari ’s return from Jena khal to her main temple. The great festival of Chatar Jatra is celebrated at the midnight of Ashtami, the exact time when Ashtami ends and Navami begins.
History of Chatra Jatra
The festival is dedicated to Goddess Manikeswari who was considered as the family goddess of the king of Kalahandi. This festival is celebrated on the Maha Ashtami of the famous Durga Puja festival and is celebrated by the people of Kalahandi District, Orissa as a traditional event.
The return journey of the Maa Manikeswari to her main temple is known as Chatar Yatra. Goddess Manikeswari is considered as Goddess of Manikya or Karamdam. It takes around 8 hours for the 3 km journey of this great festival. On this festival, a large number of goats and pigeons are sacrificed in the name of Goddess Manikeswari by the people for the fulfillment of their wishes every year.
Locals believe that Maa Manikeswari returns from Jenakhal to her main temple known as Garbhagriha on Maha Ashtami in the middle of midnight, at the exact time when Ashtami ends and Navami enters. To celebrate the joyful return journey of Maa Manikeswari to her main temple, Chatra yatra is celebrated every year on the Ashtami of Durga puja.
Origin of Chatar Jatra festival
Maa Manikeswari is considered the ruling deity of the Kalahandi district. The temple of Maa Manikeswari is located near the kingdom of the ex-rulers of Kalahandi.
It is believed that rulers of Kalahandi District have started the celebration of Chatar Yatra of Maa Manikeswari, who is considered as Istadevi of Kalahandi District.
Highlights of Chatar Jatra
The journey of Maa Manikeswari to her main temple is known as Chatar Journey. Due to heavy congregation, the Journey of Chatra took about 8 hours to cover a 3 km distance. A large number of animals like goats and pigeons are sacrificed every year and offered to goddesses by people for the fulfillment of wishes during the Chatar yatra.
Bamboo is covered with black color clothes and on the top of bamboo A silver plate known as Dasamahavidya Yantra is kept. People considered this bamboo as Maa Manikeswari in this whole Journey.
Lots of Tribal dance is performed during this festival to please the Goddess. The tribal dance form is known as Ghumura dance which is a traditional dance of Kalahandi District.
A group of people plays Ghanta and other traditional instruments known as ‘ dhola’ and ‘nishan’.
During this Yatra, many people dress like traditional Kandhamal tribals, warriors, and demons and participate in this celebration.
Chatar Jatra 2023
In 2023, Chatar jatra will be celebrated on 12th October 2022 because it is celebrated on Ashtami of Durga puja.
Chatar jatra 2022
In 2022, Chatar Jatra was celebrated on 2nd October 2022.
Chatar Yatra 2024
For the year 2024, the Chatar Yatra date to be announced
Maa Manikeswari Temple
Maa Manikeswari Temple is a famous temple located in Kalahandi district of Odisha. This popular temple is dedicated to Goddess Manikeshwari who is the Ishta Devi of Nagavanshi Khyatriya. Vast numbers of animals are sacrificed during the chatar yatra and are offered to the goddess every year for the fulfillment of their wishes.
How to Reach Kalahandi
Reaching Kalahandi is not very tough. You can reach this place by numerous means of transport by air, Railway or roadways. The nearest airport to Kalahandi is Biju Patnaik International Airport which is about 427 km away from Kalahandi. Nearest Railway Station is at Junagarh Road Junction. Various buses are also available from Bhubaneswar to Kalahandi.
How to reach Kalahandi by Air
Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur, Biju Patnaik International Airport Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam Airport are the nearest airports to the Kalahandi district.
How to reach Kalahandi By Train
The Kesinga Railway Station and Junagarh Road is the nearest railway station to Kalahandi. This railway station is well-connected to all the major cities of India including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. So one can easily reach Kalahandi through railways.
How to reach Kalahandi by Bus
Kalahandi is well connected to Bhubaneswar, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam through roadways. NH-26 crosses Kalahandi district.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous festival of Kalahandi District?
Chatar Yatra is the famous festival of Kalahandi dedicated to Maa Manikeswari.
When is the Chatar Yatra celebrated?
Chatar yatra is celebrated on the Ashtami of Durga puja In Aashin month.
What are the major highlights of the Chatar Yatra festival?
A large number of animals like goats, and pigeons are sacrificed every year and offered to goddesses by people for the fulfillment of wishes during Chatar yatra is the major highlight of this festival.
Which is the nearest airport to Kalahandi?
Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, and Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Kalahandi.
When will the Chatar yatra be celebrated in 2024?
For year 2024, the Chatar Yatra date to be announced.
Very insightful information and will add this jatra in my wish list for sure. I have found some other useful information regarding the Chatar yatra and sharing with you all.
User
1. As the soil of the place kalahandi is sporadically filled with Corundum and ruby (refered to Manikyam in sanskrit), the goddess got the name of Manikeswari
2. The chatar yatra resembles the khond ritual practise of Nabakalevara.
3.The goddess Manikeswari is believed to be goddess Chhinamastha , one of the 10 forms of Dasamahavidya (Tantric forms of Durgama)
4. Though there is lot of backlash for the sacrifice of animals from different organizations, the hindu culture believes the sacrifice as acts of thanks giving, appeasement and please the fiercest form of durga, The Mahakali